Dormice are small to medium-sized mammals that superficially resemble mice but belong to a separate rodent family called Gliridae (also called Myoxidae or Muscardinidae). They have large eyes, rounded ears, and, unlike mice, a very bushy or hairy tail.
These animals are typically nocturnal, searching for food at night and sustaining themselves on an omnivorous diet of fruits, seeds, nuts, and insects. Some species living in temperate regions hibernate for about six months a year during winter.
They are believed to have originated around 48 to 41 million years ago in the Early Eocene Epoch. Currently, there are 30 recognized species of dormice found in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
These animals measure between 2.4 and 7.5 in (6 and 19 cm) in body length, and weigh around 0.53 to 6.35 oz (15 to 180 g), depending on the species.
The largest species, the edible dormouse, reaches a length of about 7.5 in (19 cm) and weighs around 6.3 oz (180 g). In contrast, one of the smallest species, the Japanese dormouse, measures about 2.4 in (6 cm) and weighs only around 1.4 oz (40 g).
They have small to medium-sized bodies with large eyes and prominent, bushy tails. They have rounded ears that provide them with a keen sense of hearing. Relative to their body size, their limbs and digits are short.
Their bodies are covered by soft, dense fur that varies from gray to rust, depending on the species. While some species, like the edible dormouse, possess a dark stripe along the back, others, like the forest dormouse, have facial markings running from the nose, through the eye, and toward the base of the ears, giving them a masked appearance. Uniquely enough, dormice are the only rodent family that lacks the cecum, a part of the gut that helps ferment cellulose found in plant matter[1].
The name dormouse derives from the Middle English term dormous, which, in turn, is a combination of the Old Norse word dár (meaning benumbed) and Middle English mous (meaning mouse). Sometimes, it is believed that these animals may have derived their name from an Anglo-Norman derivative of the word dormir (which translates to sleeping), though currently, no basis for such an etymology exists.
The scientific name of the family, Gliridae, has its roots in the Latin word glīs, which the ancient Romans used to describe dormice.
The 30 living species of these animals are grouped under 3 subfamilies and 9 genera.
Dormice are found in Asia, Europe, and Africa. In Eurasia, their range extends from Portugal in western Europe to Japan in eastern Asia.
Different species occupy a variety of habitats, ranging from tropical and deciduous forests to deserts and rocky plateaus. Additionally, some species live in man-made habitats, including orchards, hedgerows, and gardens.
They are omnivorous and primarily feed on fruits, flowers, seeds, and nuts. During breeding season, when dormice require more protein, they typically feed on insects, such as beetles and moths. Occasionally, they may also consume bird eggs and nestlings. When resources are scarce, dormice have been observed resorting to cannibalism, typically consuming weakened individuals of their species, or sometimes even their young[3].
These rodents are typically nocturnal and forage at night. However, daytime activity has been recorded in some species, like the garden dormouse, especially in summer months[4]. Dormice are generally solitary, except for the breeding season when they form pairs to mate. In some species, like the hazel dormouse, mothers rear litters of typically 4 to 6 young in individual nests[5]. However, such mother-young associations are temporary as the young typically disperse from the nest in a few weeks.
Although most dormice species have an average lifespan of 5 to 6 years, the European edible dormouse has been found to live up to 12 years in the wild.
Dormice usually breed only once annually, though a few species, like the hazel dormouse, may breed twice each year. Following a gestation period of 22 to 24 days (for most species), the females give birth to an average of four young, though this number varies by species.
The young are born hairless and altricial, meaning they are underdeveloped and entirely dependent on their mother for care and nursing. Their eyes open around 18 days after birth.
In most temperate species, litters are born in late spring or early summer. The juveniles then hibernate over winter and become sexually mature when they emerge the following spring.
These animals are typically preyed upon by owls, weasels, badgers, martens, and feral cats. Some dormouse species in Europe are killed by snakes and foxes.
In ancient Rome, the European edible dormouse was a prized delicacy enjoyed both as a savory appetizer and a dessert. Even today, it remains a traditional dish in Slovenia, Croatia, and the islands of Hvar and Brač.
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