Forest dormouse facts for kids
The forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) is a small, furry rodent found across a large part of Eurasia. These cute creatures are known for their bushy tails and their habit of sleeping a lot, especially during winter! They belong to the Gliridae family, which includes other types of dormice.
Quick facts for kids Forest dormouse |
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| Dryomys nitedula Pallas, 1778
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Contents
What is a Forest Dormouse?
The forest dormouse is a type of mammal that looks a bit like a small squirrel or a mouse. They are part of the rodent family. These animals are mostly active at night, which means they are nocturnal. They spend their days sleeping soundly in their nests.
How Big Are They?
Forest dormice are quite small. Their bodies are usually about 8 to 13 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) long. Their tails are almost as long as their bodies, adding another 6 to 11 centimeters (2 to 4 inches). They weigh very little, typically between 18 and 34 grams (0.6 to 1.2 ounces).
What Do They Look Like?
These dormice have soft, gray fur on their backs. Their bellies are usually white or light gray. A cool feature is the dark stripe that runs from their nose to behind their ears. This stripe makes them easy to spot! They also have big, dark eyes and small, rounded ears. Their bushy tails help them balance when climbing.
Where Do Forest Dormice Live?
Forest dormice live in many different places across Eurasia. You can find them from central and eastern Europe all the way to parts of Asia. Their habitat stretches from countries like Germany and Poland to Russia, Turkey, and even China.
Preferred Habitats
As their name suggests, forest dormice love forests. They prefer deciduous forests and mixed forests. These are forests with trees that lose their leaves in autumn. They also live in shrublands and rocky areas. Sometimes, they can even be found in gardens or orchards. They like places with lots of trees and bushes to climb and hide in.
What Do Forest Dormice Eat?
Forest dormice are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and small animals. Their diet changes with the seasons. They are very good at finding food in their environment.
Their Favorite Foods
A big part of their diet includes seeds, nuts, and fruits. They especially love acorns, hazelnuts, and berries. They also eat insects, like beetles and caterpillars. Sometimes, they might even snack on bird eggs or small invertebrates. This varied diet helps them get all the nutrients they need.
How Do Forest Dormice Behave?
Forest dormice are shy and mostly active at night. They are excellent climbers. They spend a lot of time in trees and bushes. They use their strong claws and bushy tails to move around easily.
Building Nests
They build their nests in tree hollows, rock crevices, or even old bird nests. Their nests are usually round and made from leaves, moss, and grass. These nests provide a safe place to sleep during the day. They also use them to raise their young.
Social Life
Forest dormice are usually solitary animals. This means they prefer to live alone. However, sometimes you might find a few dormice sharing a nest, especially during cold weather. This helps them stay warm.
Hibernation Habits
One of the most interesting things about dormice is their ability to hibernate. When winter comes and food becomes scarce, they go into a deep sleep. This helps them save energy.
Preparing for Winter
Before winter, forest dormice eat a lot to build up fat reserves. This fat will be their energy source during hibernation. They find a safe spot, like a burrow underground or a tree hollow. Then, they curl up and fall into a deep sleep.
The Long Sleep
Hibernation can last for several months, from late autumn until spring. During this time, their body temperature drops. Their heart rate and breathing slow down a lot. They wake up when the weather gets warmer and food is available again.
See also
In Spanish: Lirón balcánico para niños
