| Titre : | Seasonal differences in nest-boxes occupation by the Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius L. (Rodentia, Myoxidae) in two areas of Central Italy (1999) |
| Auteurs : | Alberto Sorace, Auteur ; Massimo Bellavita, Auteur ; Giovanni Amori, Auteur |
| Type de document : | Article |
| Dans : | Ecologia Mediterranea (25(1) March, 1999) |
| Article en page(s) : | 125-130 |
| Résumé : | Data on nest-box occupation by the Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius was collected in two areas of Central Italy: a deciduous wood with Quercus cerris and Q. frainetto within the Presidential estate of Castelporziano (10 m above sea level) and a deciduous wood with Quercus cerris within the Natural Reserve "Monte Rufeno" (600 m above sea level). The Dormouse has been observed inside the nest-boxes in all months throughout the year and animals not in hibernation have been repeatedly observed in winter. These results are confirmed by data on Barn Owl preying. They agree with suggestions that in the Mediterranean area the species occupies nest-boxes also in winter showing different yearly rhythms of activity as compared to northern areas. However, winter occupation was more marked in Castelporziano area as compared to Monte Rufeno area, likely related to the lower temperature in the latter. In Castelporziano area in some springs no nest-boxes were occupied by Dormouse. This resultseems to be related to higher competition with hole-nesting passerines in this area. Occupation percentages were higher in autumn than in spring. Yearly variation in the occupation rates of nest-boxes by the Dormouse were observed. The Dormouse seems to prefer woodland areas. |



