Gliridae Collection

Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) hibernating amongst leaves. Captive. Leicestershire, UK, October

Common dormouse, sketch C016 / 5883
Common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius). Plate from a collection of pencil sketches and watercolour drawings of British mammals circa 1890-1910 by Edward Adrian Wilson (1872-1912)

Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) hibernating amongst leaves and acorns. Captive. Leicestershire, UK, October

Edible dormouse (Glis glis) on beech tree branch, Black Forest, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. May

Hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), Chestnut coppice and Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). Careful chestnut and hazel coppicing benefits dormice. Kent, UK, April 2011

A Dormouse on a branch at London Zoo, May 1914 (b / w photo)
2561105 A Dormouse on a branch at London Zoo, May 1914 (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942); Zoological Society of London; eZoological Society of London; British, out of copyright

A Hazel / Common Dormouse on a branch, London Zoo, 1929 (b / w photo)
3712916 A Hazel/Common Dormouse on a branch, London Zoo, 1929 (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942); Zoological Society of London; eZoological Society of London; British, out of copyright

Garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus), adult, feeding on mossy ground in a spruce forest next to deadwood, captive. September

Hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), Kent, UK. Members of Kent Mammal Group conduct monthly dormouse survey, torpid dormouse hibernating in nest box in coppiced woodland, November 2011

Muscardinus avellanarius, common dormouse
Detail from plate 136 Dormouse. Original watercolour drawing from The Naturalists Library, Mammalia, Vol. 3, 1833-1843, by Sir William Jardine (1800-1874)

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"Discovering the Enchanting World of Gliridae: Common Dormouse in Focus" Get ready to enter the captivating realm of Gliridae, as we explore the charming lives of these small mammals. The first sketch, C016 / 5883, depicts a Hazel dormouse gracefully scampering up a branch in a coppiced hazel tree in Kent, UK. Its delicate movements and agile nature are truly mesmerizing. In another scene, we find a Hazel dormouse hibernating amongst leaves and acorns, showcasing its remarkable ability to adapt and survive even during the coldest months. This captive beauty from Leicestershire reminds us of their resilience and resourcefulness. Traveling back in time through black-and-white photographs, we stumble upon an endearing image captured at London Zoo in May 1914. A Dormouse perches on a branch with curious eyes that seem to hold countless stories within them. Fast forward to 1929, where another snapshot reveals a Hazel/Common Dormouse playfully exploring its surroundings at London Zoo. Venturing beyond borders, we encounter an Edible dormouse nestled on a beech tree branch amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Germany's Black Forest. Its presence adds an air of mystery to this enchanting habitat. Returning closer to home ground, we witness the Garden dormouse foraging on mossy ground amidst spruce trees—an exquisite sight that showcases their harmonious relationship with nature. Our journey concludes with more glimpses into daily life—a Hazel dormouse finding solace among coppiced hazel trees in Kent or simply enjoying its existence against the backdrop of lush greenery. Muscardinus avellanarius—commonly known as Gliridae—is indeed an extraordinary family deserving our attention and admiration. Their intricate behaviors and unique characteristics remind us of the wonders present within our natural world; it is up to us to protect and cherish these precious creatures for generations to come.