Edible dormouse (Glis glis)
Photo: F Scharfe
The nocturnal edible dormouse (Glis glis; Gliridae, Rodentia) shows an arboreal life style and occurs in the woodlands of middle and southern Europe. It is an obligate hibernator and in Germany it hibernates from the middle of September until May/ June. Hibernation is spend in burrows 50-100 cm underground. As is typical for a hibernating species, dormice show strong seasonal variations in body mass from about 80 to 200 g. In Germany females give birth to maximally one litter (5-6 juveniles) each year.
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