| Authors | Pat A Morris, Roger Trout |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 9781068798214 |
| Publisher | The Mammal Society |
| Pages | 26 |
| Size | 14,7 x 21,0 cm |
| Format | Paperback |
| Images | Colour images |
| Year published | 2025 |
This book provides a review of the basic ecology and conservation status of the Edible Dormouse – a non-native species of rodent introduced to Britain from the Continent in 1902 by Walter (later, Lord) Rothschild. Although it became relatively numerous where it occurred, it remained fairly localised in its distribution, and therefore not considered nationally important, despite the nuisance it often causes. However, as a result of natural spread and human assistance, it has become more widespread and frequently a cause of significant annoyance and damage. Little was known of its basic ecology in its English home until regular monitoring of a local population began in 1996.
Contents
Introduction 3
Recognition 4
History in England 6
The name 7
Distribution and habitat 8
Legal status 10
Population size 11
Ecology of the Edible Dormouse in Britain 12
Reproduction, survival and social behaviour 15
Hibernation 18
Relations with people 20
Economic significance 21
Conclusion 24
References 25
Dr Pat Morris is a mammalogist who has been a Senior Lecturer in Zoology at Royal Holloway College, University of London, Chairman of the Mammal Society, member of the Council of the National Trust, and President of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. He has written many books and scientific papers on natural history and taxidermy. Dr Morris initiated ecological studies of the hazel dormouse in the 1980s, which led to the initiation of the population study of edible dormice referred to in this book.
Dr Roger Trout completed a PhD on harvest mice whilst at King’s College, London before joining the Pest laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture in 1973 working on moles then rabbits (the latter both as a serious pest and also of conservation importance when rabbit haemorrhagic disease appeared). Work for Forest Research from 2000-2010 focused on hazel dormice in conifer plantations, deer fencing affecting capercaillie, and Glis. His experience in small mammal management of both pest and rare species includes work for government bodies in Britain, Europe and Australasia, national companies, charitable trusts and individual landowners.
