TaxonHub

Hazel Dormouse

Muscardinus avellanarius

A small nocturnal rodent endemic to Europe, characterized by its soft golden-brown fur and round body, belonging to the Gliridae family of dormice.

Image Gallery

ADSENSE SLOT

Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Deciduous and mixed woodlands with dense shrub layers, particularly areas with hazel, oak, and beech trees, predominantly in mature forest ecosystems with complex understory vegetation

Ecological Role

Critical seed disperser and indicator species for forest ecosystem health, contributing to forest regeneration and serving as prey for predators like owls and martens

Morphology

SKIN COAT Dense soft golden-brown fur, thick winter coat for hibernation, underside lighter cream-colored
LIMBS WINGS Short limbs with dexterous paws adapted for climbing and manipulating nuts and seeds
HEAD SENSORY Large rounded ears, prominent black eyes, sensitive whiskers for navigation in complex forest environments
BODY STRUCTURE Small rodent, body length 6-9 cm, weight 15-40 g, compact rounded body with short tail

Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: xulescu_g

ADSENSE VERTICAL

Related Species in Gliridae

Eliomys quercinus

Glis glis