Abundance and activity of the edible dormouse [Glis glis L.] in the Zhiguli Mountains [Russia, Middle Volga Region]

The object of study was the most eastern population of the edible dormouse (Glis glis L.), inhabiting the Zhiguli Mts. (Russia). Numbers of the edible dormouse in different sites, factors relating to its distribution, seasonal population dynamics, postnatal development and activity were studied. Live-trapping was the main study method. The dormice were also studied under laboratory conditions. The most preferred type of forest was lime-oak forest. Dense undergrowth played an important role in distribution of dormice. Number of dormice in studied region was relatively high and stable.