ABSTRACT

The ecological flexibility of the garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) enables it to live from the sea level in the Mediterranean area up to 2000 m a.s.l. Here we present data on some ecological characteristics of this species in alpine habitats. A dense rocky cover and a well developed shrub layer inside woodlands are favourable to the presence of good populations of dormice, while a continuous herbaceous layer is unfavourable. Due to the severe weather condition of the alpine areas, the garden dormouse is active only for 5-6 months, from May to September (October); this short period allows only one yearly reproduction. Winter mortality is the main factor that affects the survival of dormice on the Alps, while predation is negligible.