Details
Muscardinus avellanarius
Hazel dormouse is a tiny European dormouse of scrub and woodland that spends long periods in hibernation. Loss of hedgerows and woodland connectivity can isolate populations.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It lives in deciduous woodland, scrub, hedgerows, and dense woodland edges across Europe. Main habitat types in this guide are forest, grassland.
Typical length 6-9 cm, weight 15 g-40 g. Round ears, golden-brown fur, a furry tail, and large dark eyes are distinctive.
It is nocturnal and usually solitary. It moves through branches and vines and hibernates near the ground in cold months.
It is omnivorous. Flowers, pollen, fruit, nuts, and insects are eaten seasonally.
Young are raised in round woven nests of grass and leaves.
Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. Loss of hedgerows and woodland connectivity can isolate populations.
