Breeding of the common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius L.) in Lithuania /

Data on the breeding of M. avellanarius were gathered from two sites in Lithuania in 1981-1993 by regular checking of nestboxes and marking the dormice captured. During the study 374 breeding females were captured and 319 litters found. In Lithuania the breeding season occupies nearly the whole summer period, and adult females may have two litters per season. Mean litter size was 3.9 +- 0.1 juveniles (n = 319) and it depends upon the age of females. The largest litters were detected in May, the smallest in July

Use of nestboxes by the common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius L.) in Lithuania /

Data on the use of nestboxes by Muscardinus avellanarius were gathered in 1971-1996 during all seasons of the year including winter. More than 20000 nestbox checks were made, finding about 5000 dormice. The numbers of dormice and their demographic composition markedly changed as the annual season progressed. The number of dormice in reached the maximum in September: the dormice occupying 30-40% of all nestboxes. There was a positive relationship between the occupancy of nestboxes and density of undergrowth. Dormice preferred nestboxes established at the height of 4m. Preference was also given to wooden nestboxes. The dormice compete with birds, the yellow-necked mouse, fat dormouse and social insects

Distribution, abundance and conservation status of Dormice (Myoxidae) in Lithuania /

Muscardinus avellanarius is the most common and widespread of four dormice (Myoxidae) species, living in Lithuania. It has been recorded from more than 80 localities, mainly in the central and northern parts of Lithuania, with mixed deciduous forests with hazel. Average population densities are from 1 individual/ha in spring to 3 ind/ha in autumn. The remaining three species are rare. Myoxus glis is known from eight localities, Dryomys nitedula from two and Eliomys quercinus from a single one. The last three species are included in the Red Data List of Lithuania. Five localities of M. glis are in protected areas

The structure and dynamics of common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius L.) populations in Lithuania /

During 1984-1993 investigations on the structure and dynamics of two isolated M. avellanarius populations were carried out in Lithuania. At site A average population density in spring was 1.0 individuals/ha (0.7 ind/ha at site B); males comprised 50% (47%) of the population. One-year-old, two-year-old, three-year-old and four-year-old dormice comprised 67%, 24%, 8% and 1% (70%, 23%, 5% and 2%) respectively. In autumn average population density was 3.0 individuals/ha at site A (2.4 ind/ha at site B), young made up 69% (74%) of the total population. Fifty five percent (60%) of all females were reproductively active. Males comprised 52% (48%) in the litters. Average mortality during hibernation was 68% (71%). The present paper reviews dynamics and correlation of these indices