Ecology of the edible dormouse (Glis glis) in a western edge population in southern Belgium

Abstract

peer reviewedPopulation dynamics, diet and spatial use of the edible dormouse Glis glis were studied in a peripheral population in Belgium, on the western limit of its distribution area. The main results showed that the proportion of occupied nest boxes varied between 2 and 44 %. The dormice occupied nest boxes approximately between June and October. The densities of adults varied between 0.6 and 2.3/ha. Reproduction was observed in 2006 and 2007 but not in 2005. The results of the diet study revealed a basically herbivorous diet. Home range (MCP) of males varied from 0.68 to 1.23 ha and that of females from 0.37 to 0.71 ha. Marked individuals moved on average 252 m/night (range = 60-497 m/night). In general, these results are in accordance with those observed in other countries. Only few differences appeared and they concern mainly a smaller number of occupied nest boxes, a smaller density and a higher proportion of birds in the diet of the species