Why are Dormice rare? A case study in conservation biology

摘要: In the last 100 years, Dormouse Muscardinus avellcmarius has disappeared from about half its geographical range in Britain. Evidence is presented which indicates that declining and numbers are due to a complex interplay of factors include fragmentation, deterioration loss specialized habitat. The unusual being relatively A-selected small mammal, with exacting ecological requirements render it very vulnerable, particularly habitat fragmentation. also sensitive climate, both directly probably indirectly through effects weather on timing abundance food (insects, flowers fruits). Combined low population density intrinsic rate increase, this makes highly not just absolute climatic measures (e.g. temperature, rainfall), but especially stochasticity, at edge range. There strong associations between distribution changing status various parameters, clear parallels other climate-sensitive taxa, notably bats butterflies. The species, environmental change, resulting piecemeal, progressive extinction, northern counties. It likely be indicator species for monitoring future environments an excellent model studying shifts stochasticity.