Movements by edible dormice (Glis glis) to their hibernation site and implications for population control

Abstract. A feral population of edible dormice (Glis glis) has been monitored by examining a network of 230 nest boxes placed ca. 25 m apart within a 100 ha wood in southern England. Individuals have been microchipped as juveniles or adults to subsequently determine various parameters during their lifetime. Evidence from microchipping records indicated that most individuals were recorded in summer in one or very few adjacent nest boxes during their known lifespan – even for individuals recorded over ten years old. During most years between 2009 to 2016 radio collars were fitted in the autumn to a small sample of microchipped adult individuals. These adults were located periodically if possible using radio telemetry to determine the exact location of their winter hibernaculum. The distances and direction from the known nest boxes used were very variable. Some individual hibernacula were also successfully excavated to provide further information. The data are analysed and discussed in the context of preparing control operations where Glis are a pest in houses or woods.