Edible Dormouse - Ecology and Habitat

Ecology and Habitat

Edible dormice inhabit deciduous forests dominated by oak and beech, from sea level to the upper limits of such forests at 1,500 to 2,000 metres (4,900 to 6,600 ft). They prefer dense forests with rocky cliffs and caves, but may be found in maquis vegetation, orchards, and urban margins. They have frequently been reported from caves as deep as 400 metres (1,300 ft), where they can shelter from predators.

Population densities range from 2 to 22 individuals per hectare. Females inhabit only very small home ranges, of 0.15 to 0.76 hectares (0.37 to 1.9 acres), but males occupy much larger ranges of 0.8 to 7 hectares (2.0 to 17 acres), with several burrows.

Edible dormice are primarily herbivorous, feeding mainly on berries, apples, and nuts. However, they are adaptable, and have also been reported to eat bark, leaves, flowers, invertebrates, and even eggs. When present in large numbers, they may cause damage to orchards and be considered a pest. Their primary predators include owls, foxes, pine martens, and wildcats.