Object Details
From:NHerts
Name/TitleEdible Dormouse
About this objectThe edible dormouse got its name because Romans enjoyed eating them. They were originally introduced from Europe to Tring in 1902 and have spread across six counties, including Hertfordshire. This specimen was one of 54 found within the roof of a house near Berkhamsted on 7 March 1982 by the Environmental Health Department of Dacorum District Council.
During the first Coronavirus lockdown of 2020 North Hertfordshire Museum Visitor Services Assistant Joelle Van Giap researched and gave her opinion on this specimen.
What is the most interesting thing about this object?
The Edible Dormouse got its name because the Romans liked eating them. They were introduced to Tring in 1902 when they escaped from the collection of Walter Rothschild.
Further Information
Like many of our mammals the Edible Dormouse (Glis glis) is a non-native species Originally thought to be found in continental Europe . It colonised an area of the Chilterns around Tring in Hertfordshire having escaped from the collection of Lionel Rothschild in 1902. Since then the species has failed to spread any considerable distance and populations in Hampshire and Essex are the result of deliberate releases. Populations have been monitored for the last 20 years
The Edible dormouse or Fat Dormouse is described as a Squirrel like mouse with a flat head, short muzzle, large black eyes, rounded ears and a bushy tail. It is dark down the spine and flanks and creamy underneath with a brown tail. Juveniles have a white underside and a grey tail. Adults grow to be around 120mm – 175mm. The tail is 100mm – 150mm.
During the summer adults can weigh up to 140g and in the winter around 270g. It is a relative of the Hazel Dormouse which is native to Britain. It is the largest dormouse and the only species in the genus Glis.
G.glis lives in mainly deciduous woodlands especially where beech and conifers are located. They mainly eat from the canopy and the understory, usually seasonal fruits, nuts and barks but they prefer beech mast and willow bark, blackberries, elderberries and apples. They occasionally eat insects’ fungi and carrion. It is strictly nocturnal and is unusual amongst small rodents in that it has a long-life expectancy (the mean is 9 years), prolonged hibernation (up to 7 months) and periodic reproductive failure.
It is a species of conservation concern along the northern part of its range and a game animal in Slovenia and Croatia.
Field CollectorEnvironmental Health Dep., Dacorum DC
Field Collection Date1982-01
Field Collection Place DescriptionNr Berkhamsted, Herts
Named CollectionLetchworth Museum
Credit LineS Carr, Environmental Health Department, North Hertfordshire District Council
Object TypeMammals
Object number1/NZ/1253
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved