HABITAT REQUIREMENTS OF DORMICE MUSCARDINUS-AVELLANARIUS IN RELATION TO WOODLAND MANAGEMENT IN SOUTHWEST ENGLAND

Dormouse abundance was studied at different woodland sites to identify significant determinants of habitat quality for this species and assess how these are affected by the coppice cycle. Findings are discussed in relation to managing woodlands where conservation of dormice is a desired priority. An unshaded understorey, with a high species diversity, was shown to provide the optimum habitat for dormice. Old coppice or understorey heavily shaded by taller trees supports fewer dormice and newly-cut coppice may take several years to regenerate into a state suitable for dormice. Bramble and honeysuckle are useful species, but are not essential. Coppice-with-standards management maintains a suitable habitat, but the taller trees should be widely spaced. Coppice should be cut in small dispersed patches, not in large adjacent blocks, and on a long cycle. The decline of such woodland management is probably a significant factor in the present scarcity of dormice, but reinstating coppice management may accelerate its extinction if inappropriately carried out. The needs of dormice may conflict with management intended to favour other taxa. © 1990.