Alpine forests are a suitable habitat for the Hazel Dormouse

The Hazel Dormouse ( Muscardinus avellanarius) is commonly considered a typical lowland species, occasionally observed at higher elevations in mountain habitats. This study began with preliminary investigations the Gran Paradiso National Park Western Alps, where nests of Dormice were around 2000 m a.s.l. In 2019, mark-recapture project started two valleys (Valsavarenche and Val di Rhêmes), positioning six grids 40 nest boxes from 1000 to investigate ecology adaptations dormouse populations along altitudinal gradient. these years, checked irregularly, number marked animals was low. individuals captured highest increased 1 8 Valsavarenche 11 15 Rhêmes. These results seem confirm continuous presence species upper edge forest vegetation. data suggest some significant population fluctuations, but effect on densities cannot be excluded.