Number and length of whiskers in dormice

Whiskers (vibrissae) are slender, curved and tapered hairs present in most mammals, which transmit vibrotactile information. In contrast to pelage hair, whiskers longer thicker they possess highly innervated follicles. So called ‘whisking’, a symmetrical, cyclic movement of can be observed some tactile specialists. It is used scan the environment especially during locomotion foraging. Animals showing ability whisking mainly small, nocturnal arboreal species like dormice. However, nearly everything we know about derives from just handful species, including laboratory rats mice. Until now, information on dormice has been scarce. We describe for first time number, length arrangement Garden Dormouse, Edible Dormouse Hazel Dormouse. counted measured macro- micro-vibrissae five cadavers three calculated median values each species. Anatomical studies provide data comparative between different Moreover, knowledge whisker-use guide us designing enriched enclosures captive mammals. This useful that use orientation; range textures climbing frames their important.