Dormouse (Gliridae) populations on the northern periphery of their distributional ranges: a review
2015
Juškaitis, Rimvydas | Balčiauskas, L. (Linas) | Baltrūnaitė, Laima | Augutė, Vita
Geographically peripheral populations are likely to experience suboptimal conditions, and several population characteristics may be influenced. The aim of the present study was to assess characteristics of the populations of hazel, forest and fat dormice on the northern periphery of their ranges in continental Europe in comparison to populations situated in the rest of their ranges. The dormouse populations analysed were found to be distinct from other populations in many aspects of their ecology. On this northern periphery of the ranges, the dormouse activity season is shorter and ends earlier. The population density is also lower, but inter-annual abundance dynamics are comparatively stable. Except the shorter breeding season however, there is no clear general pattern regarding other aspects of reproduction. The composition of the vegetable food used by dormice is rather specific. Contrary to expectations, the proportion of food of animal origin is not increased in the dormouse diets. The main habitat requirements of dormice are similar to those in other parts of their ranges, though the composition of woody plant species in the dormouse habitats is different. Dormice living on the northern periphery of their ranges show a high degree of adaptability to local conditions, but factors limiting their distribution are not clear yet.
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