Author(s): Büchner, S., Stubbe, M. & Striese, D.
Title: Breeding and biological data for the Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) in eastern Saxony (Germany)
Year: 2003
Volume: 49
Pages: 19-26.
Abstract: A mark-recapture study was undertaken in Upper Lusatia (Eastern Saxony, Germany) in 1996 and 1997, where data on breeding, daily torpor and parasites of common dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) could be gathered by nest box checking and live trapping. Juveniles were born from June to October, so the breeding period lasted for nearly the whole active season of the dormice. Mean litter size was 4.2 among new-born juveniles and 3.6 among 4 to 6 week old nestlings. Single cases of females with a second litter in the same year were recorded, as well females reproducing before their first hibernation. Daily torpor occurred throughout the whole active season. Two species of fleas and one tick were found on common dormice and five flea species were found in nests.
Keywords: Muscardinus avellanarius, breeding, daily torpor, ectoparasites, Siphonaptera
Journal: Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae
Journal abbreviation:
ISSN: 1217-8837
Publisher: Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest
Editor(s): Matskási, I., Peregovits, L., Morris, P. A. & Bakonyi, G.
