Home › Mammalia › Gliridae › Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius)
SPECIES PROFILE
Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius)
Muscardinus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe
DIET
Omnivorous
HABITAT
Hazel woodland
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Rodentia
FAMILY
Gliridae
GENUS
Muscardinus
📋 Description
SIZE
6-9 cm body + tail, 15-30 g
COLORATION
Golden-brown, bushy tail
ADAPTATIONS
Hibernation, woven nests
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Hazel woodland
DIET
Omnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe
REPRODUCTION
4-7 young, 1-2 litters per year
DIET DETAILS
Nuts, fruits, insects
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The common dormouse is tiny and golden-brown. It weaves beautiful nests in hazel.
2
It hibernates in winter and is a symbol of healthy ancient woodland.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
New Forest UK
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Summer
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for woven nests in hazel; very rare.
