Abstract

Craniometric relationship in the Forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) were studied on 64 adult specimens collected in the three main localities of the species in Bulgaria- Central Balkan, Vitosha Mountain and the foothill territories in Southeastern Bulgaria. Samples were subject to analysis of sexual dimorphism and microgeographic criteria. The results revealed that the Forest dormouse possesses well-expressed sexual dimorphism of the cranial characters. A discriminate function, which determines the sex of Forest dormouse individuals, was worked out on the basis of 48 craniometric characters. The craniometric characters of both male and female Forest dormice are microgeographically determined but maintain high craniometric similarity between populations. Ecological differences appear to be the main reasons for distinct patterns of microgeographic variation found in Bulgarian Forest dormice, despite their apparent morphological similarity.