Historical distribution of the Garden Dormouse in Poland

The Garden Dormouse ( Eliomys quercinus) , is the rarest species of Gliridae family in Central Europe. So far, information on occurrence this Poland based mainly historical data literature. presence additionally confused by Forest Dryomys nitedula) similar appearance. range both overlap Poland, and they have often been distinguished incorrectly. aim research was to critically analyse known localities using literature museum collections. analysis collections indicated errors identification, where specimens were usually described as a Dormouse. New, previously unknown, also found. Most numerous are from vicinity Babia Góra (Western Carpathians), 5 individuals caught early 1960s. Another Carpathians recorded Zakopane second half 19th century. region species’ area Lusatia, lowland, western part country, one specimen last found Silesia first 20th remaining should be considered uncertain. certain about comes 1960s Zawoja (vicinity Góra) since then, despite intensive searches 1970s 1980s, has not it captured earlier. There significant changes landscape areas historically occurred. mosaic mountain pastures, arable fields small spruce forests, constituting favourable habitat for Dormouse, replaced beech which currently dominated Edible Glis glis) .