Where does the European edible dormouse live?
The European edible dormouse lives in most of mainland western Europe, and parts of western Asia. It is more sparsely distributed through central and south-eastern Europe, but can be found as far north-east as the upper Volga River, and also in the Caucasus. It builds an oval nest about fifteen centimetres across, made of twigs, moss, leaves and dry grasses, often in a tree hollow, a rock crevice or an old wall.
What does the European edible dormouse eat?
The edible dormouse hibernates in winter. It is the largest of all living dormice: it is 14 to 19 cm long, plus a tail of 11 to 13 cm. It normally weighs 120 to 150 g, but may almost double in weight immediately before hibernation. It has a generally squirrel-like body, with small ears, short legs and large feet. Its tail is long and bushy.
Is the European edible dormouse endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern, and it is protected under Annex III of the Bern Convention. Its common name comes from the Romans, who ate it as a delicacy.
