PROGRAMME & BOOK OF ABSTRACTS

9TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 18 SEPTEMBER – 23 SEPTEMBER 2014 SVENDBORG – DENMARK

ISBN: 978-87-93129-19-1

PROGRAMME & BOOK OF ABSTRACTS

9TH INTERNATIONAL DORMOUSE CONFERENCE

18 SEPTEMBER – 23 SEPTEMBER 2014 SVENDBORG - DENMARK Foto: Jacob Alsted CONTENTS

CONTENT

WELCOME ...... 5 CONFERENCE PROGRAMME ...... 6 ABSTRACTS ...... 11 POSTERS ...... 54

3 Foto Peter Leth WELCOME

DEAR COLLEAGUES

The organizing committee is happy to welcome you all to the 9th International Dormouse Conference, 18 September – 23 September 2014 Svendborg, Denmark

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE Thomas Bjørneboe Berg, NATURAMA Pat Morris, United Kingdom Dronningemaen 30, DK-5700 Svendborg, Denmark Tel. +45 2488 6285, [email protected] Rimvydas Juškaitis, Lithuania

Helle Vilhelmsen, Dormiceconsult.dk Boris Krystufek, Bontvedvej 13, DK-5700 Svendborg, Denmark Tel. +45 2811 2350, [email protected] Sven Büchner, Germany

Leif Bisschop-Larsen, Danish Ministry of the Environment Thomas Bjørneboe Berg, Denmark Nature Agency Sollerupvej 24, DK-5600 Faaborg, Denmark Peter Sunde, Denmark Tel. +45 7254 3473, [email protected] Morten Elmeros, Denmark Mogens Krog, Danish Ministry of the Environment Nature Agency Hans J. Baagøe, Denmark Haraldsgade 53, DK-2100 København Ø., Denmark Tel. +45 2526 9567, [email protected] LINGUISTIC REVISION OF ABSTRACTS Aksel Bo Madsen, Department of Bioscience – Kalø Jennifer Lynch, Department of Bioscience – Kalø, Aarhus Aarhus University University Grenåvej 14, DK-8410 Rønde, Denmark Tel. +45 2166 3170, [email protected]

Sven Büchner, Ortsstraße 174, D-02829 Markersdorf, Germany Tel. +49 35829 64602, [email protected]

5 PROGRAMME

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

18 SEPTEMBER, THURSDAY

16:00 Arrival and registration at Naturama, Dronningemaen 30, 5700 Svendborg 19:00 Dinner and informal welcome party at Naturama in the evening

19 SEPTEMBER, FRIDAY

9:00-9:30 Opening ceremony

9:00-9:10 Thomas B. Berg (Denmark) Welcome to the place and the conference 9:10-9:15 Helle Vilhelmsen (Denmark) House keeping arrangements 9:15-9:30 Pat Morris (United Kingdom) Review the history and purpose of the dormouse conferences 9:30-11:15 Palaeo-zoology, morphometry, evolution Chair: Pat Morris (United Kingdom) 9:30-9:55 Hilmar Schnick & S. Büchner (Germany) The occurrence of the dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) in the south-western Baltic region and its biogeographical implications 9:55-10:20 Alice Mouton, S. Renaud & J.R. Michaux (Belgium) When morphometry meets genetics: the case of the common dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius 10:20-10:45 Naderi Gholamreza., M. Kaboli, M. Lahout, M. Kamran, A. Davadrpanah, H. Rezaei & B. Krystufek () Evolutionary divergence of the fat dormouse in Hycanian refugium of northern Iran 10:45-11:00 Olga Grigoryeva () Phylogeography of the nitedula (Pallas, 1778) (Gliridae, Rodentia) in Russian plain and the 11: 0 0 -11:15 Fraser J. Combe, J. Ellis, & E. Harris (United Kingdom) The phylogeographic structure of UK hazel dormice, Muscardinus avellanarius, and their genetic rela- tionship to mainland

11:15-11:35 Coff ee and tea break

6 PROGRAMME

11:35-12.50 Predation, , trophic level Chair: Nida Al-Fulaij (United Kingdom) 11:35 -12: 0 0 Shusaku Minato, M. Iwabuchi & H. Aiba (Japan) Stable isotope analysis for the trophic level of the 12:00-12:25 Laima Baltrūnaitė, R. Juškaitis & V. Augutė (Lithuania) Diet of three dormice on the north-western periphery of their ranges 12:25-12:50 Peter Adamik (Czech Republic) Killing is a young males’ business: patterns and benefi ts of nest predation on cavity-nesting by

12:50-13:50 Lunch at Naturama

13:50-15:00 Immune system, reproduction 1 Chair: Rimvydas Juškaitis (Lithuania) 13:50-14:05 Franz Langer & J. Fietz (Germany) Ways to measure body temperature in the fi eld 14:05-14:30 Roger C. Trout, S. Brooks & P. Morris (United Kingdom) Why are old edible dormice (Glis glis) not found in nest boxes in some years? 14:30-14:55 Dania Richter, F.-R. Matuschka, J. Tomiuk & J. Fietz (Germany) Seasonal prevalence of lyme disease spirochetes in the edible dormouse (Glis glis)

14:55-15:15 Coff ee and tea break

15:15-16:35 Demography, reproduction 2 Chair: Alice Mouton (Belgium) 15:15-15:30 Nadine Havenstein & J. Fietz (Germany) Life histories written in blood 15:30-15:45 Agata Czapracka, M. Jurczyszyn & E. Baraniak (Poland) Coexistence of three dormouse species (edible dormouse, common dormouse, forest dormouse) and their infestation with fl eas in Poland 15:45-16:00 Mirosław Jurczyszyn & A. Czapracka (Poland) Frequency of occurrence of loud calls in wild populations of edible dormouse Glis glis 16:00-16:15 Georgi Markov (Bulgaria) Bioavailability of heavy metals in forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula PALL., 1779) in agricultural region in Bulgaria

16:30-17:30 Poster presentations

19:00 Dinner on your own in the town of Svendborg

20:30 Video session at Naturama by Joachim Hinz (45 min) Sleepy head dormouse Wide Awake

7 PROGRAMME

20 SEPTEMBER, SATURDAY

9:00-10:40 and environment 1 Chair: Sven Büchner (Germany) 9:00-9:25 Rasmus M. Mortensen, M. Fischer, L. Dalby, P. Sunde and T.B. Berg (Denmark) Habitat selection analyses of the common dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius in Denmark 9:25-9:50 Robyn A. Grant (United Kingdom) Canopy use in the 9:50-10:15 Michelle F. Fischer, R.M. Mortensen, L. Dalby, P. Sunde and T.B. Berg (Denmark) Spatial behavior of the common dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius in Denmark 10:15-10:40 Rimvydas Juškaitis, Linas Balčiauskas, Laima Baltrūnaitė & Vita Augutė (Lithuania) Peculiarities of dormouse (Gliridae) populations on the north-western periphery of their distributional range

10:40-11:00 Coff ee and tea break

11:00-12:20 Habitat and environment 2 Chair: Joanna Fietz (Germany) 11: 0 0 -11:25 Markus Dietz, S. Büchner, J. Hillen & B. Schulz (Germany) Species distribution and dispersal corridor modelling for the hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius at the northern border of its range 11:25 -11:4 0 Simone Bullion (United Kingdom) 15 years of tracking down Suff olk (UK) Dormice 11:4 0 -11:55 Magomedrasul Magomedov (Russia) quality assessment of forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula Pallas 1779) in Dagestan, Russia; role of food availability and vegetation structure 11:55 -12:10 Johannes Böhme & S. Büchner (Germany) How many controls are enough? Monitoring the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) in Saxony (Germany)? 12:10-12:35 Carina Scherbaum-Heberer, K.-H. Schmidt,. & B. Koppmann-Rumpf (Germany) Various nestbox types and their suitability for the common dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius

12:35-13:30 Lunch at Naturama

13:30-14:50 Nestbox studies, marking Chair: Carina Scherbaum-Herberer (Germany) 13:30-13:55 Roger Trout, S. Brooks & P. Rudlin (United Kingdom) The advantages of permanent marking, such as microchipping, during long term monitoring of the hazel dormouse 13:55-14.10 Vita Augutė & R. Juškaitis (Lithuania) New data on ecology of the fat dormouse (Glis glis) in Lithuania 14:10-17:30 Trip with the ferry M/S Helge and visit at the castle of Valdemar (stuff ed )

19:00 Dinner on your own in the town of Svendborg

20:30 Video session at Naturama by Goedele Verbeylen (60 min) How to live-trap common dormice and (almost) nothing else 8 PROGRAMME

21 SEPTEMBER, SUNDAY

9:00- 12:30 Visit at diff erent dormouse projects in the surroundings (fauna bridge, habitats, etc)

Lunch in the forest of Sollerup

15:00-17:00 More illustrative habitats (Svanninge Bjerge and Nørremark)

19:00 Dinner on your own in the town of Svendborg

22 SEPTEMBER, MONDAY

9:00-10:40 Management and monitoring 1 Chair: Peter Adamik (Czech Republic) 9:00-9:25 D. Rozyska, Jasmine Lim, R. Trout & S. Brooks (United Kingdom) Have wild boar signifi cantly impacted on hazel dormouse populations in the UK? 9:25-9:50 Pat & M. Morris (United Kingdom) Evidence for social behaviour in Glis glis and its potential signifi cance. 9:50-10:15 Kim Madikiza (South Africa) Sociality in the African murinus: preliminary results and future studies 10:15-10:40 Emmanuel Do Linh San, S. Lamani & K. Madikiza (South Africa.) Microhabitat selection of the woodland dormouse Graphiurus murinus in a riverine thicket

10:40-11:00 Coff ee and tea break

11:00-12:05 Management and monitoring 2 Chair: Roger Trout (United Kingdom) 11: 0 0 -11:25 Ian White (United Kingdom) Hazel dormouse life history from the NDMP 11:25 -11:50 Lars Dalby, P. Sunde, M. Elmeros, C.J. Topping (Denmark) An agent-based model for common dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius and the lessons learned from constructing it 11:50 -12: 0 5 Nida Al-Fulaij (United Kingdom) Dormice at Briddlesford Nature Reserve

12:05 -13:10 Lunch at Naturama

13:10-14:25 Conservation 1 Chair: Aksel B. Madsen (Denmark) 13:10-13:35 Amelia Mogg & R. Trout (United Kingdom) Surveys of damage by edible dormice (Glis glis) in the built environment in England 13:35-14:00 Ryan Hazel (United Kingdom) Captive breeding of the hazel dormouse in the UK 14:00-14:25 Goedele Verbeylen (Belgium) The common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) in Flanders (Belgium): comparing methods to study and monitor the population in two diff erent sites 9 PROGRAMME

14:25-15:10 Conservation 2 Chair: Björn Schulz (Germany) 14:25-14:40 Aiba Haruka, M. Iwabuchi, Y. Satoh, K. Ootake, K. Iwamoto, S. Oda, H. Komatsu, H. Kobayashi, S. Ho- saka, P.A. Morris & S. Minato (Japan) Report on activities for pathways and their popularization 14:40-14:55 Johannes Lang, S. Büchner, M. Dietz, A. Möller & K. Rüth (Germany) Moving hazel dormice: How to and how many? 14:55-15:10 Katja Rüth, A. Krannich, J. Lang, C. Morkel & M. Dietz (Germany) Establishment of translocated hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) in North Rhine-Westphalla (Germany)

15:10-15.30 Coff ee and tea break

15:30-16:45 Conservation 3 Chair: Thomas B. Berg (Denmark) 15:30-15:55 Dot Eaton (United Kingdom) The Dormouse Project in England 1982-1994 – the beginning 15:55-16:20 Björn Schulz, M. Krog, S. Ehlers, H. Vilhelmsen & M. Reimers (Germany) How to be rescued in the middle of nowhere – the attempt to safeguard extremely isolated common dormouse populations 16:20-16:45 Diana White (United Kingdom) Doing our bit for dormice – volunteer involvement in UK dormouse conservation 16:45-17:45 Round table workshop at Naturama 1) Reintroduction 2) Conservation 3) Monitoring 17:45-18:30 Pat Morris (United Kingdom) Summary of the table workshop and planning the next conference

19:00 Fare-well dinner at Naturama

23 SEPTEMBER, TUESDAY

07.00-? Departure/home

08.00 Departure for post-conference excursion

10 ABSTRACTS ABSTRACTS

THE OCCURRENCE OF THE HAZEL DORMOUSE (MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS) IN THE SOUTH-WESTERN BALTIC REGION AND ITS BIOGEOGRAPHICAL IMPLICATIONS

H. Schnick¹ & S. Büchner² (Germany) ¹[email protected] ²[email protected]

The range of the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanar- In the course of the rapid rise in sea level (the Littorina ius) in recent years in the south-western Baltic region has transgression) this habitat was fragmented into a southern been infl uenced by the paleogeographical development Swedish subarea, a western Danish/north German sub- of this area. From the end of the glaciation area and several Danish island subareas around 7,200 cal. the region remained above sea level for several thou- BP It is probable that the Darss Sill area formed the last sand years until it was fl ooded by the Baltic Sea. The terrestrial connection between Denmark and north-east- development of plant communities in the region refl ects ern Germany at that time and later the Rügen area also the evolution of the climate. Conditions changed from became an archipelago of initially isolated islands. At arctic to subarctic and temperate conditions. As a result present the only hazel dormouse population on a German of these changes the Corylus immigrated into the Baltic Sea island is found on the island of Rügen. south-western Baltic region. According to palynological records the absolute Corylus-maximum occurred during Keywords: Muscardinus avellanarius, palaeo-zoology, Bal- the Boreal (10,150 - 9,450 calendar years before present; tic Sea cal. a BP). Subsequently, in a period with higher annual temperatures than today, an immigration of additional tree species typical of dormouse habitats took place. Thus, the prerequisites for the development of a coherent south-western Baltic hazel dormouse population were established.

12 ABSTRACTS

WHEN MORPHOMETRY MEETS GENETICS: THE CASE OF THE COMMON DORMOUSE, MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS

A. Mouton1, S. Renaud & J.R. Michaux (Belgium/France) [email protected]

The aim of the investigation was to apply geometric 240 museum dormouse specimens from 34 localities. For morphometrics to the study of evolutionary processes each specimen, the size and shape of the fi rst upper mo- that might have driven intra-specifi c diff erentiation of the lar (UM1) was quantifi ed using an outline analysis based common dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius in Europe. on Fourier methods. A geographic structure emerges The analysis of phenotypic features appears to be a valu- from the morphometric pattern of diff erentiation, partially able complement to genetic analyses, providing a com- corresponding to the expectations based on the genetic plementary insight into evolutionary processes, such as results. The knowledge acquired through this study may diff erentiation by vicariance or adaptation to diff erent en- add a signifi cant piece to the puzzle in understanding the vironments. Previous genetic studies revealed a complex evolutionary history of the common dormouse and may phylogeographic pattern with the presence of two highly have important implications for its conservation. divergent lineages subdivided into geographic clades. We therefore investigated whether this genetic diff erentiation Keywords: geometric morphometrics, Muscardinus avella- leads to a morphometric diff erentiation. We examined narius, conservation, ESU

13 ABSTRACTS

EVOLUTIONARY DIVERGENCE OF THE FAT DORMOUSE IN THE HYRCANIAN REFUGIUM OF NORTHERN IRAN

G. Naderi1, M. Kaboli, M. Lahout, M. Kamran, A. Davadrpanah, H. Rezaei & B. Krystufek (Iran/Slovenia) [email protected]

The phylogenetic reconstruction of the fat dormouse (Glis Extreme morphological diff erences in the species can Glis) clustered the new haplotypes into the Iranian lineage be seen in the Hyrcanian refugium. Our results showed which hold a sister position against all other fat dormouse that Iranian dormice have on average more nipples haplotypes from Europe and Asia Minor. Morphometric (mean = 12.57 ± 1.024) than their counterparts from other geometric analysis of the mandibles from all parts of its parts of the world. The litter size in the Iranian fat dor- distributional range also confi rms such deep divergence. mouse is 7.85 ± 0.89 which is evidently more than reported The divergence between these lineages suggests a in other populations. It seems that such large morphologi- fragmentation event of an ancestral population at 5.76 cal divergence is related to the evolutionary history of the million years ago (mya) at the end of the Miocene. This species in the Hyrcanian refugium. early evolutionary divergence was possibly triggered in the Middle East by dramatically divergent environmental Keywords: fat dormouse, ecology, phylogenetics, morpho- conditions during the Messinian Salinity Crisis. We suggest metric geometrics, geographical distribution a long-term persistence of the Iranian lineage in the Hyr- canian refugium which is consistent with a high number of endemics along the southern Caspian coastal areas.

14 ABSTRACTS

PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF THE FOREST DORMOUSE DRYOMYS NITEDULA (PALLAS, 1778) (GLIRIDAE, RODENTIA) IN THE RUSSIAN PLAIN AND THE CAUCASUS

O. Grigoryeva (Russia) [email protected]

The genetic polymorphism of the forest dormouse Dryomys dormice were isolated over an extended period during the nitedula (Pallas, 1778) from isolated populations from the entire Pleistocene. The possibility of recognizing the Cauca- Russian Plain and the Caucasus was investigated using sus forest dormouse as a separate species, (D. tichomirovi, the cytochrome b gene (cytb). The genetic distance calcu- as suggested by Satunin in 1920) with several haplogroups, lated between these populations of forest dormouse was is yet to be determined. 9.94 %, which corresponds to the typical distance between biological species of . Furthermore the genetic Keywords: phylogeography, mitochondrial DNA, cy- distance of cytb between Western and Central Caucasus tochrome-b, haplogroups, , Dryomys nitedula, D. forest dormouse populations was also signifi cant (6.0 %). It is tichomirovi probable that the European and Caucasian ranges of forest

15 ABSTRACTS

THE PHYLOGEOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE OF UK HAZEL DORMICE, MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS, AND THEIR GENETIC RELATIONSHIP TO MAINLAND EUROPE

F.J. Combe1, J. Ellis & E. Harris2 (United Kingdom) [email protected] [email protected]

The UK dormouse has seen a population decline which Cytochrome B sequences from across the UK were gen- has been attributed to habitat fragmentation and land use erated and added to the existing dormouse sequences. changes during this period. We conducted a phylogeo- Conclusions were drawn as to whether the UK populations graphic study to spatially assess correspondence between had diverged from conspecifi c populations in relation to phylogenetic sequences and their geographic distribution. their possible designation as an Evolutionary Signifi cant Initial observations of the phylogeographic relationships Unit (ESU) for conservation. It is important to identify units within the common dormouse identifi ed separate lin- within species to help guide management and monitor- eages which diverged over 7 million years ago (mya). ing in order to facilitate conservation of species and their The fi rst lineage is comprised of populations throughout habitats. Likewise, at a larger spatial scale, consideration and Italy and the second covers Cen- of the genetic distinctiveness of species is critical to inform tral-Northern Europe, the Balkan Peninsula and Turkey global conservation concerns, yet the taxonomic status of (Mouton et al. 2012). However this study did not include UK the UK hazel dormouse is unknown. populations. The present study aims to assess the phylog- eny and genetic distances between the UK populations Keywords: conservation, phylogenetics, genetic distance, and their European counterparts. evolutionary signifi cant units

16 ABSTRACTS

STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSIS FOR THE TROPHIC LEVEL OF THE JAPANESE DORMOUSE

S. Minato1, M. Iwabuchi2 & H. Aiba3 (Japan) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

This study aimed to fi nd the trophic level of the Japanese and their off -spring captured in nest boxes, fl owers and dormouse (Glirulus japonicus) in a forest habitat. An un- fruits collected during the day and arboreal and derstanding of feeding habits and trophic level is impor- collected at night. Insects and spiders were col- tant for exploring the natural history and for conservation. lected by beating trees at two stations at the survey sites. The Japanese dormouse is an endemic species in Japan, The samples were analyzed for stable isotopes of carbon one of the oldest mammals in the Japanese Archipelago, and nitrogen. The results showed that the Japanese dor- and a natural treasure of the country. The forest study site mouse is positioned at the highest trophic level. was located southeast of Akadake in the Yatsugatake mountain range. Three samples were collected: hair sam- Keywords: trophic level, Glirulus japonicas, stable isotope ples from adult dormice and groups comprising mothers analysis

17 ABSTRACTS

DIET OF THREE DORMICE SPECIES ON THE NORTH-WESTERN PERIPHERY OF THEIR RANGES

L. Baltrūnaitė1, R. Juškaitis2 & V. Augutė3 (Lithuania) 1Laima Baltrūnaitė [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

The diet of three dormice species, hazel dormouse Mus- the consumption of food of plant origin increasing only in cardinus avellanarius, forest dormouse Dryomys nitedula the second half of its active season. All three dormouse and fat dormouse Glis Glis was studied in Lithuania, on species showed a preference to feed on seasonally abun- the north-western periphery of their distribution ranges. A dant and locally available food of plant origin. In the dif- non-invasive method, the microscopic analysis of faeces ferent dormice species the majority of food of animal ori- was used. The study period covered at least one year of gin comprised of birds, birds eggs, insects and millipedes. the entire dormouse active season in three separate study The research was funded by the European Social Fund sites. Food of plant origin predominated in the diet of the under the Global Grant measure (grant No VP1-3.1-ŠMM- hazel dormouse and the fat dormouse during the entire 07-K-01-026). active season, except during May-June when there was a certain increase in the proportion of food of animal origin Keywords: Muscardinus avellanarius, Dryomys nitedula, consumed. However, food of animal origin prevailed in the Glis Glis, diet, faeces analysis, Lithuania diet of the forest dormouse from late April till mid-July, with

18 ABSTRACTS

KILLING IS A YOUNG MALES’ BUSINESS: PATTERNS AND BENEFITS OF NEST PREDATION ON CAVITY-NESTING BIRDS BY EDIBLE DORMOUSE (GLIS GLIS)

P. Adamik (Czech Republic) [email protected]

Hibernators may face the challenge of limited access to responsible for the majority of cases of nest predation available nutrients when they emerge in spring from their among cavity-nesting birds, mostly fl ycatchers (Ficedula). hibernacula. This study examined the patterns of spring The study analyzed whether nest predation brought any emergence of the edible dormouse (Glis Glis) and the short-term benefi ts, e.g. reduced occurrence of torpor, to occupancy of available nest boxes during 2007–2013. the predatory individuals. After their fi rst hibernation individuals, especially males, were emerging earlier than older dormice. Emergence Keywords: nest predation, hibernation, edible dormouse, was strongly infl uenced by patterns of seed masting ei- spring emergence, torpor ther in the current or preceding year. Young males were

19 ABSTRACTS

WAYS TO MEASURE BODY TEMPERATURE IN THE FIELD

F. Langer1 & J. Fietz2 (Germany) [email protected] [email protected]

Body temperature (Tb) represents one of the key param- Calibration experiments revealed that IPTT-300 tran- eters in ecophysiological studies focusing on energy sav- sponders need to be individually calibrated before using ing strategies. In this study we fi rst tested the accuracy of them at low temperatures. LifeChip transponders as well two types of temperature-sensitive passive transponders as modifi ed iButtons measured Tb reliably under fi eld (LifeChips and IPTT-300) and one data logger (iButton, conditions. Simultaneous Tb-recordings in one edible dor- DS1922L) in a water bath. Secondly, we evaluated the mouse with an implanted LifeChip and a collar-mounted usefulness of LifeChips implanted subcutaneously and iButton revealed that values from both measurements iButtons mounted onto a collar for measuring Tb in a were closely correlated. Taken together, we conclude that small heterothermic , the edible dormouse (Glis implanted temperature-sensitive transponders represent Glis) under fi eld conditions. We implanted 14 males with an appropriate and largely non-invasive method to meas- transponders and equipped another 14 individuals with ure Tb under fi eld conditions. data loggers to simultaneously record Tb and oxygen consumption. In one individual we recorded Tb with both Keywords: body temperature, heterothermia, edible dor- devices and analyzed recorded Tb patterns. mouse, iButton, passive transponder

20 ABSTRACTS

WHY ARE OLD EDIBLE DORMICE (GLIS GLIS) NOT FOUND IN NEST BOXES IN SOME YEARS?

R.C. Trout1, S. Brooks2 & P. Morris3 (United Kingdom) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Evidence from the only woodland study in the UK of edible dormice (136 female; 86 male) known to be alive the non-native edible dormouse (Glis Glis) shows that for between 5 and 13 years. Previously 4850 individuals whilst limited or extensive breeding occurs in most years had been microchipped (of which 3000 are currently alive non-breeding years also occur. This is understood to but under 5 years old) during a continuous study period relate to the extent of fl owering in tree species in spring of 18 years. The numbers present in nest boxes in this and their level of fl ower production. Morris & Morris (2010) sample is signifi cantly diff erent between breeding years used a small sample to show that some adults do not ap- and non-breeding years. This was true for both males and pear in nest box inspection records during non-breeding females. The paper discusses alternative explanatory op- years, but are present during the next breeding year. In tions interpreted from these fi ndings and the implications this study we have subsequently refi ned and increased for population control planning and our research aimed at the database, collating information from a sample of 222 demonstrating the reality.

21 ABSTRACTS

SEASONAL PREVALENCE OF LYME DISEASE SPIROCHETES IN THE EDIBLE DORMOUSE (GLIS GLIS)

D. Richter1, F.-R. Matuschka, J. Tomiuk & J. Fietz2 (Germany) [email protected] [email protected]

In Europe, dormice serve as competent reservoir hosts Thereafter, the prevalence of spirochetal DNA in edible for the tick-borne agents of Lyme disease (LD) and seem dormice increased during the remaining period of their to support them more effi ciently than mice or voles do. four to fi ve months of activity reaching nearly 40 % in Sep- The longevity of edible dormice (Glis Glis) and their at- tember. Males were more than four times more likely to tractiveness for ticks may result in a predominance of harbor LD spirochetes than females and yearlings were LD spirochetes in ticks questing in dormouse habitats. To almost twice as likely to be infected compared to adults. investigate the role of edible dormice in the transmission The seasonality of the prevalence of LD spirochetes in edi- cycle of LD spirochetes, we sampled skin tissue from the ble dormice was pronounced and may aff ect their role as ear pinnae of dormice inhabiting several study sites in a reservoir host in respect to other hosts. Germany. Of 501 edible dormice, 12.6 % harbored DNA of LD spirochetes. No spirochetal DNA was detectable in Keywords: Lyme disease, Glis Glis, Borrelia afzelii, hibernation the skin of edible dormice until July, six weeks after they generally start to emerge from their obligate hibernation.

22 ABSTRACTS

LIFE HISTORIES WRITTEN IN BLOOD

N. Havenstein1 & J. Fietz2 (Germany) [email protected] [email protected]

A competent immune and a capable oxidative system During the reproductive period, we found a signifi cant (red blood cells) are indispensable for reproduction and increase in the number of innate immune cells, whereas survival. Stress aff ects both systems, and if chronically ex- lymphocyte numbers concurrently decreased. At the perienced, modulations in the numbers and functionality same time, erythrocyte parameters refl ected the manifes- of the white and red blood cells may reduce fi tness. tation of a regenerative anaemia. These hematological changes are typical indicators of chronically perceived Reproduction constitutes a highly demanding situation stress. in the edible dormouse (Glis Glis), which was shown to be associated with reduced survival in this small obligate The detection of these physiological alterations raises hibernator. Based on these observations, we assumed the question, whether the permanent high stress level that reproducing edible dormice experience high stress contributes to augmented mortality rates associated with levels. The aim of this study was to investigate, whether reproduction. the immune and oxidative systems exhibit stress induced alterations during reproduction. We therefore investigated Keywords: edible dormouse, immune system, reproduc- hematological parameters of edible dormice from fi ve tion, stress diff erent study sites in south-western Germany during their active season.

23 ABSTRACTS

COEXISTENCE OF THREE DORMOUSE SPECIES (EDIBLE DORMOUSE, COMMON DORMOUSE AND FOREST DORMOUSE) AND THEIR INFESTATION WITH FLEAS IN POLAND

A. Czapracka1, M. Jurczyszyn & E. Baraniak (Poland) [email protected]

Fleas are obligatory hematophages, which parasitise both All three dormouse species were parasitised mainly by mammals and birds. High mobility of these insects ena- one species of fl ea Monopsyllus sciurorum (Schrank, 1803) bles them to infest new hosts or change hosts even during which occurred in almost all investigated samples. Other very short contact. In locations where edible dormouse species of fl eas were found on dormice occasionally. (Glis Glis), common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) There was a great diff erence in infestation parameters be- and forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) occur together tween the population of edible dormouse and common they use common spaces and the same shelters which dormouse. No geographical variation in fl ea assemblages may promote the exchange of fl ea species between on edible dormouse in Poland was found. Additionally them. The main goal of the study was to investigate how during the research one species of louse parasitizing com- coexistence and utilization of common space infl uences mon dormouse and one species of from edible the composition and structure of fl ea assemblages infest- dormouse were collected. ing dormice. Research was conducted in locations where only edible dormouse or common dormouse was present Keywords: ectoparasites of dormice, host-parasite interac- and in locations where all three species coexisted. To tions, coexistence of dormouse species assess host specifi city of fl eas infesting edible dormouse, samples were collected in three additional locations across Poland and a fi eld experiment was conducted.

24 ABSTRACTS

FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE OF LOUD CALLS IN WILD POPULATIONS OF EDIBLE DORMOUSE GLIS GLIS

M. Jurczyszyn & A. Czapracka1 (Poland) [email protected]

Field studies were conducted fi eld studies investigating their full nutritional value. The females’ vocalization had a the sonorous vocalizations of two edible dormouse (Glis similar frequency in July and August of a mast year with Glis) populations with two diff erent population densities; breeding. A diff erence between sexes was observed in high density (HD ~ 8-10 individuals per hectare, ind./ha) July of a breeding year, at the time of mating, which is and low density (LD ~ 3 ind./ha). Studies determined that probably connected to the females’ tendency to display the number of loud calls and “performances” (series of territorial behaviour and the lack of this tendency in males. loud calls) produced by the HD population was similar to These results show that the loud calls are linked with the the LD population. However, diff erences were reported protection of resources within home ranges, probably food between males and females in terms of the timing of the resources, and they are not linked with mating activity. most frequent vocalization. The males’ loud calls were most frequent in the month of August during a mast year Keywords: loud calls, population density, diff erence be- with breeding, when beechnuts become ripe and reach tween sexes

25 ABSTRACTS

BIOAVAILABILITY OF HEAVY METALS IN FOREST DORMOUSE (DRYOMYS NITEDULA PALL, 1779) IN THE AGRICULTURAL REGION IN BULGARIA

G. Markov (Bulgaria) [email protected]

The heavy metal load in the forest dormouse (Dryomys which are not direct targets of cultivation and to control nitedula) inhabiting forest shelter belts in the agricultural activities in agricultural ecosystems. The obtained values region in Bulgaria was assessed. The concentrations of Zn, were used to create a baseline to estimate the accumu- Cu, Ni, Co, Pb and Cd (expressed in mg/kg of dry tissue) lation of heavy metals in the internal organs of the forest were established in liver tissue, using an atomic-absorp- dormouse both in anthropogenically transformed habitats tion analysis. Highly toxic metals (lead and cadmium) and in natural biotopes, and for using this species as a were found in considerable concentrations together with monitor of environmental status. elements with concentration dependent toxic eff ects (Cu, Ni, Zn and Co) in the liver of forest ormice. This suggests Keywords: heavy metals, Dryomys nitedula, Bulgaria, agro that it is necessary to carry out regular assessment and ecosystem, bioaccumulation forecasting of the accumulation of these metals in species,

26 ABSTRACTS

HABITAT SELECTION ANALYSES OF THE COMMON DORMOUSE MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS IN DENMARK

R. M. Mortensen¹, M. F. Fischer2, L. Dalby3, P. Sunde4 & T. B. Berg5 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

The common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is de- The probability of occupancy could be modelled as an clining in Denmark as well as in other part of its geograph- increasing function of vegetation density and abundance ical range. To improve or restore habitats of the remaining of soft mast species and as a negative function of tree dormouse populations in Denmark knowledge about the height. Nocturnally active dormice selected patches with species’ habitat requirements is of paramount importance. higher species richness of woody plants, denser vegeta- We analyzed habitat selection of common dormice at two tion, lower tree height, thicker trunks and lower tree crown spatial scales: (1) location of home ranges within popula- cover compared to availability within their home ranges. tions (conditional probability of occupancy of nest tubes Males and females displayed similar selection patterns, and nest boxes in 13 diff erent populations relative to hab- and individual selection coeffi cients were constant along itat variables measured within 25 m radius) and (2) within availability gradients and across seasons (May-Oct). home ranges (nocturnal telemetry fi xes from 13 individuals compared with regularly distributed availability fi xes). Keywords: common dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius, habitat selection, resource selection function

27 ABSTRACTS

CANOPY USE IN THE HAZEL DORMOUSE

R. A. Grant (United Kingdom) [email protected]

There has been a decline in the numbers of hazel dormice make use of the canopy. This study aims to investigate (Muscardinus avellanarius) due to habitat loss and frag- canopy use by using high-speed video analyses of dor- mentation. Dormice live in trees and actively avoid open mice locomotion around a climbing arena. We observed spaces. Increasing the sizes of the fragmented dormice that dormice use their whiskers to guide their climbing and populations by connecting suitable habitat patches is feet positioning. They also use their whiskers to sense gap critical to managing populations; for example by devel- sizes in the dark, much like other do. As a noctur- oping wildlife corridors and dormice bridges. However, nal climber, dormice use their whiskers as a primary sense due to the diffi culties in collecting behavioural data from to guide locomotion. This gives us important insights in to dormice, there has been little research to assess how they dormouse behaviour and canopy use.

28 ABSTRACTS

SPATIAL BEHAVIOUR OF THE COMMON DORMOUSE MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS IN DENMARK

M. F. Fischer1, R. M. Mortensen2, L. Dalby3, P. Sunde4 & T. B. Berg5 (Denmark) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Denmark is part of the northern limit of the geographical ha (SD=0.06) and 0.07 ha (SD=0.02) for females and 0.40 range of the common dormouse (Muscardinus avella- ha (SD=1.49) and 0.13 ha (SD=0.7) for males. Home range narius). From ecological niche theory, life conditions in sizes were borderline signifi cantly larger in males than northern populations may therefore be more extreme in females (p=0.057 and 0.099), with males displaying a than further south, e.g. with respect to the abundance of larger inter-individual variation in range sizes than females resources and the infl uence of abiotic factors. Behavioural (p = 0.008 and 0.012). Males and females moved on av- strategies may diff er accordingly. From May-October 2013, erage 340 m (SE=49) and 311 m (SE=75) per night. Results we studied spatial behaviour of 3 female and 8 male ra- from the analyses of variation in space use, activity and dio-tagged dormice in Svanninge Bjerge near Faaborg. displacement patterns as functions of gender, seasons, Individuals were followed continuously throughout the habitat composition and weather will be presented. night, revealing their movement paths between consec- utive day roosts. The study is intended to continue in 2014 Keywords: common dormouse, home range, spatial ac- and some preliminary results are presented here. Mean tivity home range sizes (95 % and 50 % fi xed kernels) were 0.21

29 ABSTRACTS

PECULIARITIES OF DORMOUSE (GLIRIDAE) POPULATIONS ON THE NORTH-WESTERN PERIPHERY OF THEIR DISTRIBUTIONAL RANGES

R. Juškaitis1, L. Balčiauskas, L. Baltrūnaitė2 & V. Augutė3 (Lithuania) [email protected] 2Laima Baltrūnaitė [email protected] [email protected]

Lithuania is situated on the north-western periphery of the was found to be rather specifi c in comparison to other distributional ranges of the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus parts of their ranges and illustrates the high degree of avellanarius), the fat dormouse (Glis Glis) and the forest adaptability that dormice show to local conditions. In nest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula). Population ecology, diet site selection, the main habitat requirements of dormice in and vegetation parameters determining nest site selection Lithuania are similar to those in other parts of their ranges. were studied in the populations of each of the dormouse However, the woody plant species composition is diff erent species in Lithuania. Dormouse populations were found to in dormouse habitats in Lithuania in comparison to other be distinct from more southerly-situated European popula- parts of their ranges, showing a high degree of plasticity tions in many aspects of their ecology, and some extreme in this respect. The research was funded by the European population indices were recorded. Contrary to expec- Social Fund under the Global Grant measure (grant No tations, the proportion of food of animal origin was not VP1-3.1-ŠMM-07-K-01-026). found to be higher in the dormouse diets. The composition of food of plant origin consumed by dormice in Lithuania Keywords: dormice, populations, diet, nest sites, Lithuania

30 ABSTRACTS

SPECIES DISTRIBUTION AND DISPERSAL CORRIDOR MODELLING OF THE HAZEL DORMOUSE MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS AT THE NORTHERN BORDER OF ITS RANGE

M. Dietz, S. Büchner1, J. Hillen & B. Schulz2 (Germany) [email protected] [email protected]

Due to its comparatively low dispersal abilities, its vulnera- With the known presence data for the hazel dormouse bility to habitat fragmentation and special habitat needs, we used an Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) to the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is used as create a species distribution model. The ENFA estimates an indicator species for habitat diversity and connectivity the ‘habitat suitability’ per raster cell by comparing the in northern Germany and the southern part of Denmark. species’ distribution in the ‘space’ formed by the ecogeo- graphical factors, which is in fact the multidimensional We focused on the identifi cation of landscape charac- ecological niche of the species, with that of the whole teristics that infl uence the current distribution of the hazel study area (raster cells). The habitat suitability model also dormouse in the study area to create a habitat suitability provides the basis for a modelling approach to estimate model. This model is used to identify areas of high habitat the optimal habitat corridors interconnecting ‘source’ and suitability which may provide a) the habitats of the recent ‘target’ populations. For this we used a least-cost path ‘core populations’ and b) the ‘source’ for possible re-intro- analysis. duction and/or re-colonisation of hazel dormice in parts of its former range and to interconnect isolated populations. Keywords: Muscardinus avellanarius, ENFA, modelling

31 ABSTRACTS

15 YEARS OF TRACKING DOWN SUFFOLK (UK) DORMICE

S. Bullion (United Kingdom) Simone.Bullion@suff olkwildlifetrust.org

Suff olk lies on the north-eastern edge of the range of the last 15 years to try to discover the extent of the remaining hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) in the UK and, populations. We evaluate the success of the various meth- mirroring the national situation, their distribution also ap- odologies and discuss issues associated with detecting pears to have contracted in this area during the last 100 low density populations. years. Survey work has been undertaken throughout the

32 ABSTRACTS

HABITATS QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF FOREST DORMOUSE (DRYOMYS NITEDULA PALLAS 1779) IN DAGHESTAN, RUSSIA; ROLE OF FOOD AVAILABILITY AND VEGETATION STRUCTURE

M. Magomedov (Russia) [email protected]

The role of vegetative structure and food availability as between forest dormouse state/fi tness/condition and factors determining the state/fi tness/condition of the forest vegetative productivity showed a positive correlation be- dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) was studied in forest habi- tween body mass and seed productivity and shrub cover tats in Daghestan, Russia. 11 vegetative parameters were in both forest habitats. The study revealed that that dor- described in two typical forest habitats (, Quercus sp. mouse abundance is positively related to the trees, shrubs and - Carpinus betulus, Fagus sylvatica). and crown density and negatively related to shrub and A number of dormice indicators were recorded including tree height and tree diameter. It is clear that the structure abundance, vertical and microhabitat distribution of nests, of the oak forest is more suitable for the forest dormouse in body mass and breeding rate. The study revealed that terms of rapid movement, climbing and jumping and fi nd- forest dormice prefers to inhabit biotopes with well-de- ing suitable nest locations when compared to the structure veloped shrubs and trees with high crown density as of the hornbeam-beech forest. observed in the oak forests in Daghestan. Additionally the abundance of dormice was higher in the oak forest than Keywords: D. nitedula state, oak forest and horn-beam in the hornbeam-beech forest. Analysis of the relationship forest structures

33 ABSTRACTS

HOW MANY CONTROLS ARE ENOUGH? MONITORING THE HAZEL DORMOUSE (MUSCARDINUS AVELLENARIUS) IN SAXONY (GERMANY)

J. Böhme1 & S. Büchner2 [email protected] [email protected]

The European Habitats Directive requires monitoring and boxes were checked twice a month from April 2012 on- regular reporting of the conservation status of species wards (with gaps over the winter). Additionally, 1,090 trap listed in Annex IV of this directive. To obtain data for these nights were carried out in 2012. In total 25 hazel dormice requirements a population monitoring programme was set were marked in 2012 and 9 in 2013. up in Saxony (Germany) in 2006. The monitoring is based on nest box checks twice a year at selected monitoring The majority of the population could be found in nest sites. boxes. We showed that carrying out only two checks per year depended on several circumstances. Weather condi- This investigation aimed to fi nd out, i) what proportion of tions seem to be crucial for monitoring. The highest num- a population is detectable with two nest box checks per bers of dormice could be found at the beginning of June year and ii) which months will provide the highest num- and October during cool and humid weather. bers of dormice. The aim was to adjust the given dates for the monitoring programme. We choose an isolated mixed Keywords: Muscardinus avellanarius, monitoring, nest deciduous forest, 15 ha in size as the study site. 105 nest boxes, Germany

34 ABSTRACTS

VARIOUS NEST BOX TYPES AND THEIR SUITABILITY FOR THE COMMON DORMOUSE MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS

C. Scherbaum-Heberer1, K.-H. Schmidt & B. Koppmann-Rumpf2 (Germany) 1 [email protected] 2 [email protected]

The common dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius is had the same set of choices at each of the 15 stations. The known to use nest boxes designed for birds and dormice nest boxes were set up with their entrance holes facing throughout its distributional range. An initial three-year forward to fi nd out which size might be limiting to other study (2009-2011) found that dormouse boxes with an in- nest box users such as hole-nesting bird species, e. g. blue ternal diameter of 6 cm and an entrance hole measuring tit (Parus caeruleus). The nest boxes were checked once 21 mm were used more intensively than bird boxes with a per week from March until the disappearance of dormice 26 mm entrance hole. Following this initial study we set up in autumn. In August 2012 a third sample area comprising a scheme comprising various combinations of dormouse 60 nest boxes installed in yet another array was set up in boxes diff ering in internal diameter and entrance hole size the same region and hence checked as described above. to fi nd out which nest box is preferred by the species. The preliminary results show that the common dormouse In the winter of 2012 a total of 120 wooden nest boxes seems to choose larger entrance holes when not con- were set up in a linear array along hedgerows in two cerned with competitors such as Apodemus sp. and given sample areas surrounding orchards in a low mountain the choice between diff erent internal diameters tends to range near the town of Schluechtern, Germany. For every choose the smaller boxes. sample area we set up a specifi c horizontal array of four diff erent nest box types attached to a fencepost that was Keywords: Muscardinus avellanarius, nest box, compete- repeated at intervals of 30 m to ensure that the dormice tion

35 ABSTRACTS

THE ADVANTAGES OF PERMANENT MARKING, SUCH AS MICRO CHIPPING, DURING LONG TERM MONITORING OF THE HAZEL DORMOUSE

R. Trout1, S. Brooks2 & P. Rudlin (United Kingdom) [email protected] 2 [email protected]

Hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) may live for sev- marked juveniles has revealed potential woodland dis- eral years, unlike most mice and voles. Identifying individ- persal patterns over time. Microchipping enables the cre- uals over a period of time (and thus the possibility of de- ation of a calendar of captures to improve the accuracy termining the population size) has many practical uses of of population estimates. clipping gives a misleading interest to scientists, foresters, conservationists, developers impression of recapture; in our study c. 40 % of all animals and agents of the Minister. Across Europe leg rings, tattoo- would have been classifi ed as two or more individuals, as ing and microchipping have all been used for permanent the time between recaptures was longer than fur clipping marking. Individual dormice are very rarely recaptured would allow. Thus estimates of individuals present, survival, during subsequent nest box inspections, often less than dispersal and longevity based on fur clipping are inac- once per year, and many are rarely captured. Microchip- curate. It is concluded that more UK sites should establish ping over a 12 year period on a conifer site has enabled micro chipping to add to the hard data needed to answer population estimates and crucial information on dispersal topical priorities. and breeding history to be gathered. Dispersal by young

36 ABSTRACTS

NEW DATA ON THE ECOLOGY OF THE FAT DORMOUSE (GLIS GLIS) IN LITHUANIA

V. Augutė1 & R. Juškaitis2 (Lithuania) [email protected] [email protected]

In Lithuania, the fat dormouse (Glis Glis) is a rare species, fat dormouse populations from other parts of the distri- listed in the Red Data Book and the list of strictly protected butional range, thus revealing peculiarities of the pop- species. For the fi rst time, a capture-mark-recapture ulation situated on the northern periphery of the range. study of the biology and ecology of the fat dormouse is The research was funded by the European Social Fund being carried out. The study, which started in 2011, uses under the Global Grant measure (grant No VP1-3.1-ŠMM- nest boxes set in a grid system in a mature mixed forest. 07-K-01-026). Data on the dormouse activity season, body weight dy- namics, breeding, survival, population abundance and Keywords: Glis Glis, breeding, abundance, survival, demo- demographic structure are being collected and analyzed. graphic structure, Lithuania Results have been compared with respective data on

37 ABSTRACTS

HAVE WILD BOAR SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED ON HAZEL DORMOUSE (MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS) POPULATIONS IN THE UK?

C. Rozyska, J. Lim1, R. Trout2 & S. Brooks3 (United Kingdom) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Feral wild boar (Sus scrofa originally escapees from farms) at each site and inspected using the normal protocol. The have been noted for over 20 years in a portion of Southeast study continued for four years, though some sites dropped England. Boar root for food on the woodland fl oor where out of monitoring. The numbers of dormice (using data for hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) hibernate in June and October) and the annual number of nest boxes fragile nests and thus may impact on their population. 12 with evidence of nests/animals were compared between wooded sites likely to contain hazel dormice where boars the two groups. Results after two years indicated a higher were known to have been present for c. 20 years were abundance of dormice and higher nest boxes use in the chosen in Kent and Sussex. Twelve additional sites in the boar free sites though the diff erence was not statistically same region, with no recorded boar presence, were chosen signifi cant. The paper analyses a larger dataset and dis- from the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme. Sites cusses the implications of boar spreading throughout Eng- were matched for soils type and woodland classifi cation land in the future. where possible. 50 nest boxes were erected in early 2009

38 ABSTRACTS

EVIDENCE FOR SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN GLIS GLIS AND ITS POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANCE

P. Morris & M. Morris (United Kingdom) [email protected]

A population of edible dormice (Glis Glis) has been mon- Social cohesion may explain why these animals are itored regularly for more than 15 years. Groups of animals sometimes found hibernating communally, but also has are often found sharing the same nest box. The com- implications regarding survival of juveniles when they position of these groups has been investigated where need to begin hibernating. It may also explain why some animals are known individually through the use of im- nest boxes (and houses) are frequently occupied whilst planted identity markers, Passive Integrated Transponder others nearby are not. The implications of this analysis (PIT) tags. It is hypothesised that these dormice form may be important when considering practical conser- family groups consisting of females and their young from vation measures and perhaps methods of control where a previous year. If a strong ‘social bond’ exists among the edible dormouse has become a ‘problem animal’. family groups, then how do they recognize each other?

39 ABSTRACTS

SOCIALITY IN THE AFRICAN WOODLAND DORMOUSE GRAPHIURUS MURINUS: PRELIMINARY RESULTS AND FUTURE STUDIES

K. Madikiza (South Africa) [email protected]

Until recently, nothing was known about the socio-spatial on same-sex individuals. Patterns of tolerance and aggres- organization of the African woodland dormouse (Graphiu- siveness within the sexes were determined. Using trapping rus murinus). Preliminary data from trapping and nest box and radio-tracking data, further studies plan to investigate monitoring of free-living individuals indicates that females the social structure of the selected population through the can have overlapping home ranges and breed commu- application of social network analysis. The studies will in- nally. Males also have overlapping home ranges and can vestigate patterns of individual associations, and observe share nest boxes, especially during the mating season. how external ecological processes, such as seasonal varia- The study aimed to investigate some of these aspects in tion in rainfall and temperature, may aff ect the structure of greater detail to propose a model of sociality for the spe- the networks. cies. Spatial and social behaviour data was collected from 2010-2014 using a combination of capture-mark-recapture Keywords: woodland dormouse, Graphiurus murinus, and telemetry in a free-living population, and behavioural sociality, social network, social interactions, association experiments in captivity. Staged dyadic encounters were patterns, capture-mark-recapture, radio-tracking, labora- employed to investigate social interactions in diff erent tem- tory experiments poral, spatial and ambient temperature contexts, focussing

40 ABSTRACTS

MICROHABITAT SELECTION OF THE WOODLAND DORMOUSE GRAPHIURUS MURINUS IN A RIVERINE COMBRETUM THICKET

E. Do Linh San1, S. Lamani & K. Madikiza2 (South Africa) [email protected] [email protected]

We investigated whether woodland dormice Graphiurus was signifi cantly higher than the average height at which murinus positively select or avoid specifi c microhabitat traps were set (99 ± 75 cm). Bonferroni Z tests indicated that characteristics or structures. Additionally we investigated dormice positively selected areas with high canopy cover whether a set of predictor variables, related to microhab- and connectivity, and avoided bushes. Generalized linear itat characteristics, can explain the presence and rates of models showed that trap use, numbers of visits and diff er- visits to specifi c trapping stations. Trapping was conducted ent animals caught were positively associated with high between June 2011 and May 2012 at the Great Fish River arboreal connectivity, hence confi rming the hypothesis that Reserve (Eastern Cape, South Africa). A grid of 96 stations woodland dormice depend on woodland ‘corridors’ for (16 rows × 6 lines), with pairs of Sherman traps placed at 10 their movements. m intervals, was set seasonally over 5 nights. The 192 traps were distributed equally among four height categories (on Keywords: woodland dormouse, Graphiurus murinus, the ground, <1 m, <1.5 m and <2.5 m). On average, trapping microhabitat selection, trapping, canopy cover, arboreal success was 4.70 ± 4.17 dormice per 100 traps. Dormice connections were trapped at an average height of 136 ± 64 cm, which

41 ABSTRACTS

HAZEL DORMOUSE LIFE HISTORY FROM THE NDMP

I. White (United Kingdom) [email protected]

The National Dormouse Monitoring Programme (NDMP) monitors and does not use marked dormice. However was set up in 1988 to look at the long term population the size of the dataset does allow for an investigation into trends of hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) in dormouse ecology and life history at the population level. Britain. Now in its 25th year and with over 85,000 records This presentation will compare data from the NDMP with of dormice, the data in the NDMP can be used to look at studies undertaken on a marked population of dormice to a number of factors including: hibernal survival, sex dif- investigate the life history of the species. ferentiation, litter size, young mortality, summer mortality and breeding success. The data is collected by voluntary Keywords: hazel dormice; NDMP; life history

42 ABSTRACTS

AN AGENT-BASED MODEL FOR COMMON DORMOUSE MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS AND THE LESSONS LEARNED FROM CONSTRUCTING IT

L. Dalby1, P. Sunde2, M. Elmeros3 & C. J. Topping4 (Denmark) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

In order to secure populations from extinction, managers aff ect the viability of dormice populations. We applied the should be able to make decisions in the light of known model to estimate population viability for several of the conditional extinction probabilities of current populations Danish dormouse populations using a realistic scenario for under diff erent management scenarios (e.g. fragmen- current landscape structure and connectivity. The process tation or alterations to habitats). We present a spatially of model construction identifi ed crucial knowledge gaps explicit individual-based population model for dormouse for the Danish dormouse population, such as good esti- using ALMaSS, an agent-based simulation system for mates of the population size for each of the populations as modelling management impacts on wildlife. Pattern-ori- well as missing information relating to the distribution and ented approaches were used to test the model’s ability to quality of suitable habitat. These gaps indicate directions simulate patterns of distribution, density and age structure for future empirical work needed to improve the accuracy against data from the literature. The ALMaSS framework is of model predictions. highly customizable and can be extended to allow testing of diff erent scenarios e.g. relating to specifi c management Keywords: individual-based models, agent-based models, strategies or changes in landscape structure which could population viability, ALMaSS

43 ABSTRACTS

DORMICE AT BRIDDLESFORD NATURE RESERVE

N. Al-Fulaij (United Kingdom) [email protected]

Briddlesford Nature Reserve on the Isle of Wight in South- with dormice. The reserve is managed with a focus on its ern England is owned by the People’s Trust for Endan- unique mammal fauna and the variety of practical work gered Species (PTES) and is managed for red undertaken to accommodate the mammal fauna will be (Sciurus vulgaris), bats (Chiroptera) and hazel dormice discussed. We have obtained a good knowledge of how (Muscardinus avellanarius). Briddlesford has over 560 dormice react to the management practices undertaken. dormouse boxes set up in two monitoring sites and data A comparison of the dormouse data from the reserve has been collected since 1990. More recently additional compared to the national dataset will be presented. dormouse boxes have been set up in the woodland to provide training opportunities for people wishing to work Keywords: hazel dormice, PTES, woodland management

44 ABSTRACTS

SURVEYS OF DAMAGE BY EDIBLE DORMICE (GLIS GLIS) IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT IN ENGLAND

A. Mogg1 & R. Trout2 (United Kingdom) [email protected] [email protected]

Edible dormice (Glis Glis) have spread c. 50 km from the information on the types of damage and nuisance caused site at Tring, west of London where they escaped from by Glis present in buildings. Two surveys a few years apart captivity about 100 years ago. Their distribution has, how- provided similar results regarding the types of buildings in- ever, remained largely confi ned to the Wooded Chilterns fested, the location of animals within the buildings and the area of c. 1000 sq miles, bordered by three motorways types of damage caused. Attics within the roof, garages, and the steep escarpment onto the open Oxford clay ceilings, walls and kitchens are the most infested locations. landscape. Recent data on distribution has used local Most frequently reported was damage to electrical wiring, authority records of requests for Glis control in properties pipes and water tanks, structural damage (holes within where nuisance and damage was reported. Now, volun- the building) and damage to clothing. The results are dis- tary self-selecting surveys have been added to update the cussed together with information from a complete survey information on distribution. Additionally, for the fi rst time of all properties within a housing development. anywhere within the global Glis range we collected hard

45 ABSTRACTS

CAPTIVE BREEDING OF THE HAZEL DORMOUSE (MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS) IN THE UK

H. Ryan (United Kingdom) [email protected]

The range of the hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) A range of enclosure designs are used and the dormice are in the UK has declined by half due to habitat loss, frag- fed on a mixture of commercial pet food, exotic fruit and mentation and deterioration. 20 reintroductions have been native fl owers, nuts and berries. Each pair is allowed to pro- carried out since 1993 using captive bred dormice to restore duce 1-3 litters during the breeding season. Some pairs fail to the range. There are currently 10 dormouse ‘breeders’; produce young in the fi rst year. They overwinter as family or private individuals, zoological institutions and educational sibling groups. The following spring dormice may be woken organisations, co-ordinated by the Common Dormouse early from hibernation to enable health screening before re- Captive Breeders Group. Breeding stock is sourced from un- lease. Usually dormice are released within one year of birth. derweight autumn young or occasionally adults taken from On average 40-50 dormice are bred each year. the wild under licence, and orphaned or injured animals brought to rescue centres by the general public. A national Keywords: breeding stock, husbandry, studbook, blood- studbook records bloodlines to minimise inbreeding. lines, enclosure design, health screening, environmental enrichment

46 ABSTRACTS

THE COMMON DORMOUSE (MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS) IN FLANDERS (BELGIUM): COMPARING METHODS TO STUDY AND MONITOR THE POPULATIONS IN TWO DIFFERENT SITES

G. Verbeylen (Belgium) [email protected] www.hazelmuis.be

The common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) fi gures on the dormouse population. Dormice were captured, on the Flemish Red List as critically endangered. There- marked with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags fore our aim is to obtain more information on population and recaptured during fortnightly checks of nest boxes (6 parameters and habitat use in order to improve protection with automatic readers) and nest tubes and live-trapping measures. In order to capture a large proportion of the sessions. An effi cient live-trap method was developed and population and recapture individuals often enough to some animals were radio-tracked. The results of this popu- draw conclusions, we limited our study area in 2013 to 2 lation study were compared with the results of the autum- sites of diff erent habitat quality: a railroad verge (10 ha) nal searches for natural nests, the monitoring method used existing almost completely of edge habitat, and a forest for all Flemish dormouse populations. Preliminary results (14 ha) existing mainly of large trees and a small amount are presented. of suitable edges and connected hedgerows. In the forest habitat improvement measures are carried out and along Keywords: common dormouse, protection measures, CMR, the railroad, regular maintenance takes place, which monitoring makes it possible to examine the eff ect of these actions

47 ABSTRACTS

REPORT ON ACTIVITIES FOR ANIMAL PATHWAYS AND THEIR POPULARIZATION

H. Aiba1, M. Iwabuchi2, Y. Satoh, K. Ootake, K. Iwamoto, S. Oda, H. Komatsu, H. Kobayashi, S. Hosaka, P.A. Morris3 & S. Minato4 (Japan/United Kingdom) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

A very large number of forests have been divided by 2011. Japanese dormice (Glirulus japonicas) and Eurasian roads and railroad tracks in Japan and various parts of fl ying squirrels (Pteromys volans) were observed using the the world, which has made it diffi cult for wild animals to pathways. Observations provided evidence for the use move, reproduce or secure food. Starting with building the of pathways by most arboreal mammals in Japan. We dormouse bridge in 1998, we have been researching and established a general incorporated association in 2012 to developing ‘animal pathways’ (hereafter ‘pathway’) since promote the pathways in the long term (sustainable popu- 2004 that function similarly to the dormouse bridge but at larization). We built the fourth pathway in Aichi Prefecture a lower cost. in April 2013 and held a symposium on the pathway in December 2013 to call on various parties including gov- We built the fi rst pathway on a city road in Hokuto City, ernment organizations to promote the pathway. Yamanashi Prefecture, in 2007 and the second pathway in 2010. Minato reported on the results of monitoring of Keywords: protection, conservation, arboreal, populariza- the pathways at the Dormouse Association meeting in tion, animal pathway 2011. We built the third pathway in Tochigi Prefecture in

48 ABSTRACTS

MOVING HAZEL DORMICE (MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS): HOW TO AND HOW MANY?

J. Lang1, S. Büchner2, M. Dietz, A. Möller & K. Rüth3 (Germany) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

The hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is legally Up to 30 nest boxes per hectare were used to capture dor- protected throughout Europe. The law prohibits the killing, mice. Capture success diff ered throughout the year and injuring or disturbing of these animals or their breeding between habitats and sites. On a small spatial scale dor- sites and resting places deliberately or recklessly. During mice were captured in very high densities. Based on our necessary building projects killing of dormice present at experiences we recommend some best practice guide- the development sites cannot always be avoided. In such lines for future translocations. cases there is a need to translocate dormice from one site to another. Keywords: translocation, Muscardinus avellanarius, mitiga- tion measures Hazel dormice were captured in special nest boxes at three diff erent study sites in Germany. We describe the number of nest boxes used in a specifi c area, the number of individuals caught in specifi c habitats and the time of the year.

49 ABSTRACTS

ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANSLOCATED HAZEL DORMICE (MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS) IN NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA (GERMANY)

K. Rüth1, A. Krannich, J. Lang2, C. Morkel & M. Dietz (Germany) [email protected] [email protected] www.tieroekologie.com

In the geographical region Lower Rhine Basin (North the hazel dormice (24/42) were found inside the original Rhine-Westphalia, Germany), 277 hazel dormice were nest boxes or nearby (average 49 m ±104 SD distance translocated in 2013 from an old-growth deciduous forest between release and recapture nest box). Their weight to a recultivated forest. The recultivated forest had been had increased on average by 1.9 g (±1.6 SD) during this planted with trees and shrubs nearly 10 years previously time. We found evidence for successful reproduction at and was at that time uninhabited by dormice. This trans- the new site within the year of translocation. The density of location was part of mitigation measures in the context of hazel dormouse in May 2014 was 3.3 individuals per hec- clearcutting after surface mining. Nest boxes were placed tare (Ind./ha) at the new site (based on a nest box data), in the original forest and checked from May until October. corresponding to the original density of 3.8 Ind./ha in 2013 Hazel dormice discovered were individually marked and (based on the number of released animals in 2013). Trans- released at the new site inside their nest boxes. Additional location and monitoring will continued in 2014. nest boxes (2-3) were placed in the surrounding area of each translocated individual. During a fi rst check per- Keywords: Muscardinus avellanarius, translocation formed 1-2 weeks after translocation, more than half of

50 ABSTRACTS

THE DORMOUSE PROJECT IN ENGLAND 1982-1994 - THE BEGINNING

Dot Eaton (United Kingdom) [email protected]

In 1982 I dreamed of setting up a captive breeding unit for In 1992, together with a number of researchers and stu- indigenous British animals, including the hazel dormouse dents, (Martin Hicks, Dr. John Lewis, Professor John Gur- (Muscardinus avellanarius), and reintroducing them into nell, Julian Ford-Robertson and his students, and Steve safe selected habitats. In 1993 the fi rst wild dormice were Whitbred) the fi rst reintroductions of captive bred dormice trapped and a breeding programme was established. were carried out at Hailey Wood, and in Within ten years numbers had increased to 97 dormice. 1993 additional dormice were released. In 2010, 18 years During the captive breeding program a number of ob- later, signs of dormice were found again in Hailey Wood. servations were made. Dormice initially freeze (become In 1994 the breeding unit joined with the Corporation of motionless) when danger is sensed. Dormice display London at Burnham . In 1995 the Common Dor- unsocial behaviour when feeding, although they will on mouse Captive Breeders Group (CDCBG) was formed occasion share a nestbox. Females come into oestrus and dormice were donated annually for reintroduction. approximately every 10 days and pre-mating chasing oc- In 2000 the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) curs. Young are born ca. 30 days after mating and emerge took over and the project fl ourished. from the nest ca. 30 days after birth and both early and late summer litters are common. In the spring and autumn Keywords: captive breeding, reintroduction young are vulnerable to changes in air temperature.

51 ABSTRACTS

HOW TO BE RESCUED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE – THE ATTEMPT TO SAFEGUARD EXTREMELY ISOLATED COMMON DORMOUSE POPULATIONS

B. Schulz1, M. Krog2, S. Ehlers3, H. Vilhelmsen4 & M. Reimers (Germany/Denmark) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

The common dormouse shows a scattered distribution in • All potential stakeholders were involved through estab- Northern Germany and Denmark, where local popula- lishing cooperation on both sides of the border Intensive tions are often small and isolated and thus threatened by monitoring was carried out: extinction. As natural resettlement processes are virtually • At the local level using habitat and population analysis impossible, there is an urgent need for a conservation pro- • At the regional level using genetic surveying ject to safeguard the last known population on the Dan- ish-German peninsula north of Kiel Canal. • The inter-population landscape was analysed: • At the local level using on-site surveys and aerial But what is the best way to do it – what must be taken photo interpretation into account? Using the EU-INTERREG funded project • At the regional level using a GIS-habitat model (2010-2013) in the Danish-German border region as an • Habitats were improved and connections were estab- example we describe our method of practical dormouse lished between habitats conservation. • A future action plan was developed

Keywords: Muscardinus avellanarius, practical conserva- tion, INTERREG, EU, Denmark, Schleswig-Holstein, resettle- ment, genetics

52 ABSTRACTS

DOING OUR BIT FOR DORMICE – VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT IN UK DORMOUSE CONSERVATION

D. White (United Kingdom) [email protected]

Since the start of the National Dormouse Monitoring Pro- dormouse cause though less direct eff orts such as rais- gramme (NDMP) in 1990 volunteers have been heavily ing public awareness and assisting land managers with involved in hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) practical work to benefi t dormice. Many counties have a conservation work in Britain. Now with 380 NDMP sites in Dormouse Group and the various means by which groups England and Wales coordinated by the People’s Trust for and PTES support, value and thank individual volunteers Endangered Species (PTES), there are over 1500 volun- are important factors in recruiting and retaining those who teers checking dormouse nest boxes over the breeding dedicate time and eff ort to hazel dormouse conservation season annually, contributing to a wealth of data on the in the UK. Without the contribution of volunteers the future hazel dormouse and informing the current UK conser- of this enigmatic and engaging species in Britain would vation programme. Volunteers come from a range of be in serious doubt. backgrounds and have a diverse skills base: they not only collect data for conservation purposes, but also help the Keywords: NDMP; Hazel Dormouse; Volunteers; PTES

53 POSTERS POSTERS

DORMICE AND PEOPLE: UKRAINIAN ASPECT

H. Zaytseva-Anciferova (Ukraine) [email protected]

In the territory of Ukraine there are four European species the Khmelnitski, Chernigiv, Lviv and Volyn regions. Em- of dormice: common (Muscardinus avellanarius), edible ployees of the parks and universities, numerous students (Glis Glis), forest (Dryomys nitedula) and garden ( and pupils and volunteers with the American Chamber quercinus). The four species are vulnerable across the of Commerce took part in the project. About 140 nest entire territory, however only the is boxes and 200 nest tubes were set up in the forests which included in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. In Ukraine were used by the common, edible and forest dormouse. dormice are a completely unknown species among the Important ecological information was collected during general public and less than 5 % of students outside the the project and many people are now aware of dormice biological sciences are aware of dormice. ecology and threats to their survival. Additionally in 2013 the Ukrainian Theriological Society announced the Year of This project combined ecological research on dormice the Dormouse. The poster “Dormice and people” has been with environmental education and awareness. Nest boxes prepared and distributed. and nest tubes were constructed and set up as part of the project entitled “House for dormouse”. The project Keywords: ecological action, dormice ran from 2007-2012 in the national and regional parks in

55 POSTERS

STUDIES ON HAZEL DORMOUSE ALONG MOTORWAYS: FIRST INSIGHTS INTO THE CORRIDOR EFFECT OF ROADSIDE SHRUBS, THE BARRIER EFFECT OF ROADS AND CROSS-ROAD MOVEMENTS

K. Friebe1, A. Lange, J. Kelm, T. Steff ens2, B. Schulz3, G. B. Hartl & H. Reck (Germany) [email protected] 2tsteff [email protected] [email protected]

Roads are commonly regarded as major barriers for most indirect observations, using genetic studies, investigated fl ightless species, especially for the hazel dormouse (Mus- the gene-fl ow between dormouse populations on either cardinus avellanarius). Only recently single studies have side of motorways. provided proof, that dormice can cross roads. However, it is still unknown how often and under what circumstances Along some motorways in the investigation site there are successful road crossing takes place. This knowledge is continuous shrubs steadily populated by dormice. Con- essential for target-oriented actions plans on the one hand tinuous habitat lines, especially when newly established, and for environmental impact assessment on the other. could function as eff ective habitat corridors and enable colonization over longer distances. Genetic studies were Two diff erent approaches were employed to gather infor- carried out on such situations with comparisons to the mation about the frequency and circumstances of road surrounding areas to determine if, during the past, coloni- crossings. Direct observations of movements via roads zation took place along roadside shrubs. were carried out with small-scaled mark-recapture studies at a highway-exit-system. At this site, 250 nest tubes were Keywords: Muscardinus avellanarius, roads, fragmentation, checked twice a week from May to October. Large scale migration, Schleswig-Holstein

56 POSTERS

THE SOUND REPERTOIRE OF THE EDIBLE DORMOUSE GLIS GLIS

M. Jurczyszyn & A. Wolińska (Poland)

Based on observations in captivity, seven diff erent sounds 6) high pitched whistle, produced by aggressive females produced by edible dormice (Glis Glis) were identifi ed. and 7) whirring, observed rarely and not well known. In The sounds identifi ed were: 1) loud calls, emitted singly captivity the majority of loud calls, the only sounds com- or in series, so called ‘performances’, by both males and monly heard in forests, were produced by individuals with females, 2) rattle, observed together with aggressive the highest number of bouts of aggressive behaviour. behaviour in both sexes, as a warning before aggressive This indicates a link between loud calls and the position actions, 3) growls, observed during nest box disturbances, occupied in the social hierarchy established by captive 4) silent squeak or peep, produced by both sexes when dormice. entering a nest box occupied by another individual, 5) singing, characteristic of males during the mating season, Keywords: vocalization, aggressive behaviour, mating

57 POSTERS

RECORDS OF TREE-DWELLING DORMICE MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS AND GLIS GLIS IN GERMANY

A. Krannich, K. Rüth1, A. Weiß & M. Dietz [email protected] www.tieroekologie.com

As a follow up to authorized actions such as road con- combination of grass and leaves, were located within struction and surface mining, tree felling is frequently woodpecker holes and broken branch cavities from 4 unavoidable. To avoid deliberate or reckless disturbance, m to 20 m in height. The earliest record of a hazel dor- injury or killing of legally protected animals tree cavities mouse was found in a nest of leaves in a cavity in a small are mapped and checked prior to felling in late autumn. beech at 1.5 m height. Some of the recorded individuals To monitor tree cavities, the trees are climbed using ropes were in torpor. and a specially designed endoscopic camera is used. In addition to bats, tree dwelling hazel dormouse (Mus- Edible dormice were found in cavities of beech, ash and cardinus avellanarius) and edible dormice (Glis Glis) were oak trees up to 15 m in height. In one tree a female with observed. new-born young was found in a woodpecker hole that was frequently used as nursery tree by tree-dwelling In an old-growth deciduous forest in eastern Germany bechstein`s bat (Myotis bechsteinii). we documented the hazel dormouse in four out of 182 monitored cavities. The latest records were from the Keywords: Muscardinus avellanarius, Glis Glis, tree cavities, middle of November. The nests made from grass, or a endoscope

58 POSTERS

ESTIMATION OF MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS POPULATION DENSITY BY LIVE-TRAPPING

E. Sevianu [email protected]

Estimation of the size and density of wildlife populations is (SECR) and a non-spatial method, using the program very important for the conservation of protected species. CAPTURE combined with an ad hoc estimation of the The density of common dormouse (Muscardinus avella- eff ective trapping area (ETA) to estimate density. The narius) populations is usually estimated using nest box non-spatial analysis resulted in higher density estimates checks. However in areas where three species of dormice than SECR (10,71 individuals per hectare; ind/ha) when coexist, this method may underestimate the common using no boundary strip (25.69 ind/ha) or a boundary strip dormouse density due to interspecifi c competition with with W=MMDM/2 (15 ind/ha) but produced comparative the other two species. Common dormouse density was results when using W=MMDM (9.9 ind/ha). investigated using a grid of 49 wooden live traps set 20 m apart, resulting in 147 trap nights. Capture data was Keywords: common dormouse, density, SECR analyzed using both spatially explicit capture-recapture

59 POSTERS

THE HAZEL DORMOUSE (MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS) IN RIPARIAN FORESTS – WHEN FLOODPLAIN RESTORATION COMES INTO CONFLICT WITH SPECIES CONSERVATION

C. Steck1, S. Bauer2 & D. Schindler3 (Germany) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Floods signifi cantly aff ect populations of several mammal found in permanently non-fl ooded habitats, where we pre- species. Even species with extraordinary climbing abilities sume a vital population covering all suitable habitats. As to like the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) may be expected, the study indicates that the hazel dormouse is be aff ected. In south-western Germany, we investigated unable to establish stable populations in regularly fl ooded the spatial distribution of the hazel dormouse depending habitats and that these habitats act as sink habitats. on the fl ood regime. We set up a total of 570 nest tubes at 57 sample sites covering non-fl ooded, irregularly fl ooded Consequently, the restoration of fl oodplain forests cur- and regularly fl ooded habitats. rently colonised by hazel dormice comes into confl ict with species conservation. To mediate between fl oodplain We found evidence of hazel dormouse occurrence (hazel restoration and species conservation we propose a co- dormice and/or nests) in 34 nest tubes at 20 sample sites. herent conservation of non-fl ooded dormouse habitats The spatial distribution of the hazel dormouse population along with the fl oodplain forests to conserve vital hazel refl ects the gradient from regularly fl ooded to non-fl ooded dormouse populations and habitat connectivity. habitats. The majority of the hazel dormouse evidence was

60 POSTERS

PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF EASTERN EUROPE DORMICE

O. Grigoryeva1 & V.N. Orlov (Russia) [email protected]

We explored the phylogeography of four dormice species: Eliomys in cytb and 12S topologies. In IRBP topology Mus- forest dormouse Dryomys nitedula, common dormouse cardinus is an outgroup for Dryomys + Eliomys and Glis is Muscardinus avellanarius, garden dormouse Eliomys quer- the outgroup tor these three species. Thus, the relationship cinus and fat dormouse Glis Glis based on cytochrome between the subfamily remains ambiguous. B gene (cytb), 12S, IRBP data. 29 samples were obtained from Central Russia and Belarus. New primers were de- Our results show that the Eocene- boundary signed and phylogenetic analysis was based on NJ, MP, was the likely time of extant subfamilies diversifi cation and ML, BI methods. the Oligocene-Miocene boundary was the time of Mus- cardinus separation. After a warm period there was a new Analysis of phylogeny allowed us to include samples of drop in temperature in the Middle Miocene. Obviously, the E. quercinus to the Western European clade, M. Eliomys and Dryomys diverged at this time. The research avellanarius to the Central and Northern Europe clade was supported by RFBR Grant 12-04-32035-mol_a and a and G. Glis – to the European clade. Dryomys and Eliomys Grant of the President of RF MK-3755.2014.4. are combined into a clade on three genes. Muscardinus and Glis are united into a clade sibling to Dryomys + Keywords: phylogeography, dormice

61 POSTERS

HOW GERMANY IS MONITORING THE HAZEL DORMOUSE FOR THE EU HABITATS DIRECTIVE?

S. Büchner1 & J. Lang2 (Germany) [email protected] [email protected]

Article 11 of the EU Habitats Directive requires monitoring dard monitoring guidelines in 2010, data on the hazel dor- of the species listed in Annexes II, IV and V. The European mouse was gathered at 63 diff erent sites in Germany for member states were required to report on the conserva- the 2012 report. The federal state of Hesse has gathered tion status of the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avella- data on the hazel dormouse from up to 34 sites from 2006 narius) in 2006 and again in 2012. For the last report the onwards. Using the Hesse dataset we can show that the knowledge of the range and status of the hazel dormouse standard monitoring guidelines have some serious draw- in Germany was very poor. The 16 federal states have very backs. Therefore we suggest adjustments to the monitor- diff erent approaches to fulfi lling the necessary monitoring ing program to overcome these problems. requirements. A summary of the methods used across the federal states is presented along with the results obtained Keywords: Habitats Directive, Muscardinus avellanarius, for both reporting periods. After the development of stan- monitoring

62 POSTERS

DORMOUSE REINTRODUCTIONS IN THE UK

I. White (United Kingdom) [email protected]

In the 1980s it was determined that hazel dormice the success of the reintroduction programme and to con- (Muscardinus avellanarius) had become extinct in Britain sider how it might be progressed in the future. This poster from approximately half of the range that they had been outlines the rationale of the programme, the methodology known to occupy a century earlier. As a result of this, a employed to undertake a reintroduction in Britain and decision was made to attempt to reintroduce the species considers the success of the programme. Finally the future to areas where they were considered poorly represented of the programme will be discussed. or had recently become absent. The fi rst reintroduction took place in 1993 and there have been a further 19 to Keywords: hazel dormice; UK; reintroductions date. In 2012 a report was commissioned to investigate

63 POSTERS

FOREST DORMOUSE (DRYOMYS NITEDULA PALL., 1779) IN A NEW FOREST SHELTER BELT IN BULGARIA: DEMOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE, CRANIAL EPIGENETIC FEATURES AND POPULATION DETACHMENT

G. Markov (Bulgaria) [email protected]

In Bulgaria, outside the natural forest ecosystems, the The forest shelter belt population was compared with forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula Pall., 1779) populates four other populations, three of them located on the appropriate lowland biotopes, associated mainly with mountain system Stara Planina, Vitosha Mountain and artifi cially cultivated stands of trees, such as shelter forest the mountain territories of south-eastern Bulgaria, and belts. Under natural conditions in this habitat the popula- one originating from the hill woodlands of North-eastern tion demographic investigations showed that the age and Bulgaria. Results indicated that the forest shelter belt general sexual population structure of the forest dormouse population revealed well-expressed cranial epigenetic is well balanced. The sexual-age population structure in uniqueness and diff erentiation. Thus the micro geo- the studied four age groups corresponded to the natural graphic epigenetic fragmentation of the forest dormouse lifespan of the species. This confi rmed the presence of a in Bulgaria is presented. good reproductive population structure. Keywords: forest dormouse, Dryomys nitedula, epigenetic A relative population number of 0.175 individuals per 100 polymorphism, population diff erentiation, forest shelter trap/days was obtained. This indicated that the forest dor- belt, craniometrical variability, sexual dimorphism mouse could be classifi ed as a ‘rare species’ among the small mammal fauna of the agro ecosystem in north- eastern Bulgaria. These fi ndings indicate that the species has fi rmly occupied this new man-made ecological niche in the shelter forest belts.

64 POSTERS

INFLUENCE OF BIRTH RATES, MORTALITY AND DISPERSAL ON SEX RATIO OF THE EDIBLE DORMICE (GLIS GLIS)

B. Koppmann-Rumpf1, K.H. Schmidt & C. Scherbaum-Heberer2 (Germany) [email protected] [email protected]

While most mammal populations show equalized sex dormice found in nest boxes were captured, marked with ratios in their off spring, some species reveal deviations Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags and monitored as a reaction to environmental circumstances. The re- throughout the whole activity period carrying out daily cent study focuses on mortality, dispersal and biased checks using a scanner to minimize disturbance. The sex ratio in the off spring of the edible dormouse (Glis study area contains 94 nest boxes spread over 5.6 ha in Glis) and their infl uence on the following year’s sub adult mixed deciduous woodland with oak (Quercus sp.) and population. The data used for this study was obtained beech (Fagus sylvatica) as well as common hornbeam from a mark-recapture project situated 70 km north-east (Carpinus betulus) and a well-developed herb layer. of Frankfurt/Main, Germany, monitoring the population biology of the edible dormouse. From 2002 to 2008 all Keywords: sex ratio, mortality, dispersal

65 POSTERS

POPULATION VIABILITY ANALYSIS IN MONITORED HAZEL DORMOUSE POPULATIONS USING CAPTURE-MARK-RECAPTURE DATA

F. J. Combe1, J. Ellis, S. Bird2 & E. Harris3 (United Kingdom) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Estimating population sizes in rare and elusive species formation other than that obtained in the data collected. such as the common dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) Analysis of CMR data was conducted using an integrated can be challenging as several parts of their life history population model which allows the unifi ed analysis of may be diffi cult to observe in the fi eld or during monitoring population count and demographic data. This method sessions. In a study of this nature it is assumed that not all allows us to provide more accessible and repeatable individuals in a population are captured, however results. We calculated population vital rates, population Bayesian statistics can tackle this problem, to predict viability and estimated survival rates to identify whether species distributions. We compared Bayesian methods populations act as sources or sinks. This allowed us to reli- to a traditional model, the Jolly-Seber model. Bayesian ably estimate population sizes and aid in the conservation analysis allows us to specify the appropriate prior proba- management of this elusive species. bilities for diff erent parameters to link these to population sizes, providing more accurate and reliable parameter Keywords: CMR, Bayesian, IPM, non-invasive sampling, estimates, improving statistical power. In contrast, con- population size ventional methods are forced to ignore any relevant in-

66 POSTERS

ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF THE WOODLAND DORMOUSE GRAPHIURUS MURINUS: A PILOT STUDY

M. Lombard1, K. Madikiza2 & E. Do Linh San3 (South Africa) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

We investigated the activity patterns of the woodland least active between 05:00 and 12:00. Weather conditions dormouse Graphiurus murinus in a riverine Combretum (general weather, temperature, wind and soil conditions) forest at the Great Fish River Reserve (Eastern Cape, South were also recorded and their potential infl uence on ac- Africa). This short study took place in spring (November) tivity levels was assessed. However, a generalized linear 2013 and was planned to serve as a foundation for a model indicated that weather had no signifi cant eff ect longer-term project. Overall, 9 dormice (5 males, 4 fe- on the nocturnal activity of the woodland dormouse. males) were fi tted with radio-collars. However, only 5 (1 Additional data collected throughout the year would be male and 4 females) could be tracked, for three days and needed to fully evaluate the eff ect of whether on dormice three nights each, such that a total of 1,793 activity fi xes activity patterns. were collected. Dormice spent 51 % of their time active overall; they were active 65 % of the time during the night Keywords: woodland dormouse, Graphiurus murinus, and 39 % during the day. There was a clear peak in their activity profi le, daily activity budget, radio-telemetry, daily activity between 20:00 and 21:00, and dormice were radio-collars, weather conditions.

67 POSTERS

DIET OF THE WOODLAND DORMOUSE GRAPHIURUS MURINUS AS ASSESSED FROM FOOD REMAINS IN NEST BOXES

K. Madikiza1, S. Lamani & E. Do Linh San2 (South Africa) [email protected] [email protected]

The diet of the woodland dormouse Graphiurus murinus considered, arthropods were still dominant, but a slight was studied in a riverine Combretum forest at the Great decrease was observed in summer. Ten arthropod families Fish River Reserve (Eastern Cape, South Africa). Food were found in the diet of the woodland dormouse; remains were collected seasonally from a maximum of Tenebrionidae (40 %), Spirostreptidae (30 %), Carabidae 33 diff erent nest boxes between December 2010 and (15 %) and Blattidae (14 %) were the most dominant fami- November 2011. An overall mean of 1.32 ± 0.51 food - lies. Grewia occidentalis (21 %) and Ziziphus mucronata egories (range 1-4) were identifi ed in each nest box used (54 %) were the only fruit species present in the diet. as a larder during the year. Dietary diversity and standard- Pianka’s diet overlap indices were very high (>0.81), indi- ized diet breadth were low to intermediate, with a peak in cating that the diet of the woodland dormouse was similar summer and a nadir in winter. In terms of percentage oc- between pairs of seasons. currence, arthropods were dominant (99 %) in all seasons, followed by molluscs (16 %) and fruit (14 %). When relative Keywords: woodland dormouse, Graphiurus murinus, diet, percentage occurrence and percentage weight were food remains, arthropods, molluscs, fruit, nest boxes

68 POSTERS

TETRA PAK TRACKING TUBES TO DETECT DORMICE

L. Haag1 and R. Tester2 (Switzerland) [email protected] [email protected]

The common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is a tected with similar success with Tetra Pak tracking tubes as very cryptic inhabitant of shrubby woodland and - with the proven wooden tracking tubes. Tetra Pak tracking rows. This protected species is classifi ed as endangered in tubes are small, light, cheap and easily built out of waste many European countries. To enforce its legal protection products. Therefore, tracking tubes can be put up in large and to ensure the success of conservation projects, current numbers and in high densities in the fi eld. This reduces the data on the occurrence of the common dormouse is very study time necessary to record the fi rst dormouse. Tetra important. For the revision of the Red List of Endangered Pak tracking tubes can be used successfully and effi ciently Mammals in Switzerland, researchers Simon Capt and by school classes, members of conservation associations Paul Marchesi successfully used wooden tracking tubes to or other interested individuals. detect dormice. In this study tracking tubes were designed out of Tetra Pak and tested against the wooden tracking Keywords: tracking tube, Tetra Pak, survey method, dor- tubes. The presence of common dormice could be de- mouse

69 LaL yoy utut TinTiT na Christi ensnsen,enen, AaAarhus Universsityityy

Phhototosos Karrstetteen Hviivi dd, PetPePete eerr LetLe h and Jacacobb AlAlsstedteteedd.

FoF otprp innt loogog SinaaE Ehhlers

Publishheer AaAarhusus UUniveversrrsiityt

CCiircculu ata ioon 150

Printed byb Roso endn ahls - Schulhultztz GGrafi sk a/ss

ISI BBN 97878-877-9-93129-19-1 PROGRAMME & BOOK OF ABSTRACTS

9TH INTERNATIONAL DORMOUSE CONFERENCE 18 SEPTEMBER – 23 SEPTEMBER 2014 SVENDBORG – DENMARK

ISBN: 978-87-93129-19-1