Forest dormice (genus Dryomys)

Physical characteristics

Forest dormice are compact, soft-furred mammals with large eyes and a bushy tail that aids balance when climbing. Typical measurements for adults are a head-and-body length of roughly 8–13 cm and a tail length of about 6–11 cm, with body mass commonly in the range of 18–36 g. Their fur is generally greyish-brown above and paler below, providing camouflage among leaves and branches.

Habitat and distribution

Members of Dryomys are found in a broad band stretching from parts of southeastern and central Europe through the Caucasus and into western and central Asia. They favor wooded environments: mixed deciduous, coniferous, and dense shrubland. Within these habitats they use trees, dense understory and rock crevices for nesting and shelter.

Behavior and ecology

Forest dormice are largely nocturnal and excellent climbers. Their diet is omnivorous and seasonally varied, typically including fruits, seeds, buds, insects and other invertebrates. They are good at storing food and may build nests of woven plant material in hollows or dense vegetation. Like many dormice, many Dryomys species enter periods of torpor or seasonal hibernation in response to cold or food scarcity.

Reproduction and life history

Breeding usually occurs during the warmer months when food is abundant. Females produce relatively small litters and invest in nest-based care until the young are independent. Survival and reproductive success are influenced by food availability, predation and habitat quality.

Conservation and importance

The conservation status of forest dormice varies regionally. Some populations remain stable while others decline because of habitat fragmentation, changes in forestry practices and loss of shrub understorey. They play useful ecological roles as seed dispersers and as prey for a range of predators. For more general information on dormice as a broader group see dormouse.

• Key traits: arboreal, nocturnal, hibernating, omnivorous.
• Typical habitat: mixed forests, thickets, and scrub.
• Conservation note: habitat protection benefits local populations.