Common dormouse: trends in numbers
The common dormouse has declined sharply because of the loss of suitable habitat.
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Trends
The common dormouse declined after 1960, as can be seen from the fall in the number of 5 x 5 km grid squares. Though the number of 5 x 5 km grid squares has remained constant in recent years, the number of 1 x 1 km grid squares in which the species occurs is declining.
The common dormouse is restricted to the moist loess/loam soils in the varied woodland of south Limburg, especially in the bramble thickets on woodland margins. The distribution area of the common dormouse is shrinking because these bramble thickets are disappearing and the remnants are very fragmented. There is still a fairly large core area and two smaller areas with some surviving populations.
The common dormouse is on the Red List of mammals. A species protection plan for the common dormouse is currently in preparation.
Technical note
The only statistics available for 1960-1985 are the occurrence in 5 x 5 km grid squares. These have been derived from the Atlas van de Nederlandse Zoogdieren. Since 1985 the species has been investigated by a working group of the Natuurhistorisch Genootschap in Limburg; hence the availability of figures per 1 x 1 km grid square. In 2001 a detailed survey was done by the Vereniging voor Zoogdierkunde en Zoogdierbescherming (VZZ) and the consultancy bureau Natuurbalans.
References
- Broekhuizen, S., B. Hoekstra, V. van Laar, C. Smeenk en J.B.M. Thissen (1992). Atlas van de Nederlandse Zoogdieren. Stichting Uitgeverij Koninklijke Nederlandse Natuurhistorische Vereniging. Utrecht.
- Lange, R., A. Martens, K. S. Fischedick en F. van der Vliet (2002). Op zoek naar Zoogdieren. 50 jaar Vereniging voor Zoogdierkunde en Zoogdierbescherming,1952-2002. Lutra 45 supplement.
- Verheggen, L.S.G.M. (2002). Hazelmuisinventarisatie 2001. Een onderzoek naar de verspreiding van nesten in actuele en potentiële leefgebieden in Zuid-Limburg. VZZ-rapport 2001.31. VZZ. Arnhem en Adviesbureau Natuurbalans. Limes Divergens, Nijmegen.
