Dormouse
Footprint Images
Description
A small orange colured mammal which is declining in Britain. It is nocturnal and spends its entire life in the trees feeding on insects fruits and nuts. There are thought to be 80,000 dormice left in the UK.
Footprint Description
Fore foot has 4 digital pads, hind foot 5. Circular configuration of 6 interdigital pads on forefoot. Hindfoot has one interdigital pad, with 4 lobes.
Hand outlines quite common where tracks are visible.
Distribution
Mostly the southern counties but a few isolated populations in the Lake District.
Footprint Size
fore foot - 1x0.8cm, hind foot 1.5x1.1cm. Stride around 7cm.
Habitat
Ancient Hedgegrows and woodland.Mostly in Hazel trees.
Diet
Behaviour
Taxonomy
Images of Tracks & Signs
Male
Primary Image
Reproduction
It constructs a ball like nest usually hidden amond ivy or Honeysuckle.
Scientific Name
Muscardinus avellanarius
Female
Height
Predators
Possibly Owls.
Tracks & Signs Description
Juvenile
Length
Body length - 8cm
Weight
Speed
Droppings Images
Life Span
up to 5 years
Also Known As
Droppings Description
Status
80,000 in UK
Did You Know?
Dormice spend a lot of their life asleep!