Nest box use by woodland dormice (Graphiurus murinus): the influence of life cycle and nest box placement

摘要: The use of nest boxes by the woodland dormouse, Graphiurus murinus, was investigated over a 13-month period in riverine forest Great Fish River Reserve, South Africa. We predicted that some characteristics box placement would affect and seasonal pattern be linked to species' life cycle physiological socioecological characteristics. Generalized linear models indicated time since installation height above ground positively affected frequency intensity use. Male female dormice, as well adults juveniles, did not differ number used equally occupied individual boxes. percentage peaked during spring summer (breeding period) dropped winter (hibernation). However, whereas significantly more males were caught mating season (spring), females occupying constant year. As dormice successfully bred boxes, observed sexual patterns suggest (artificial) sites represent an important resource for females, seem constitute main males, model.