Energy expenditure increases during the active season in the small, free-living hibernator Muscardinus avellanarius

Pretzlaff, Iris; Rau, Daniela; Dausmann, Kathrin H.

doi:10.1016/j.mambio.2013.12.002

Cited by 10 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Within home ranges, we observed a higher selection strength for high abundance of selected woody species among smaller individuals and among individuals tracked earlier in the season, indicating the energetic constraints that affect the spatial decisions of these individuals as they have a higher demand for food resources to cover their energy expenditure after hibernation for growth and reproduction (Sozio et al ., 2016). Other studies have found that the dormice’s use of torpor additionally may be a way to cope with varying food availability (Pretzlaff et al ., 2014).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We also observed a higher selection strength for dense vegetation among larger individuals which implies the energetic constraints shaping their habitat selection (Gallagher et al ., 2017; Mortensen et al ., 2021). Smaller individuals may be more willing to expose themselves to risks and potential predators in order to increase their energy intake for reproduction, growth, and prepare for hibernation (Juškaitis et al ., 2013; Pretzlaff et al ., 2014).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Hazel dormouse in managed woodland select for young, dense, and species-rich tree stands

Mortensen

Fuller

Dalby

et al. 2022

Preprint

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In fragmented forest landscapes, population persistence of arboreal species with limited dispersal ability may strongly depend on the quality of the remaining forest habitat. Using the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) as a model species, we studied habitat selection at two spatial scales (home range and within home range) in intensely managed woodlands at its northern distributional range in Denmark. We modelled selection at home range level as the conditional probability of occupancy of 588 nest boxes and nest tubes in 15 managed forests relative to habitat variables measured within 25 m radius. Habitat selection within home ranges was modelled by comparing habitat variables within 3 m radius of triangulated locations by 19 radio-tracked individuals (12 M, 7 F) when active at night with regularly distributed available locations within their home ranges. At both spatial scales, hazel dormice strongly selected sites with high abundance-weighted species richness and high vegetation density of woody plants. On home range level, they furthermore selected for young tree vegetation, while they within home ranges selected for intermediate aged tree stands (maximum trunk circumference: 1.50 m). The predicted probability of presence in nest boxes or nest tubes varied from less than 1% to more than 99% as a combined function of three habitat variables. From May to October, selection for abundance-weighted species richness of woody plants of radio-tagged individuals decreased with date and body weight, suggesting that a diverse food base is particularly important early in their season of activity and for lean and small (growing) individuals. Selection for dense vegetation increased with body mass and mean available vegetation density within home ranges, indicating behavioural variability related to changes in energy expenditure and need for safety among individuals. The study demonstrates that the hazel dormouse has specific habitat requirements related to food and safety that can be accommodated with relatively simple means in managed forests.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hazel dormouse in managed woodland select for young, dense, and species-rich tree stands

Mortensen

Fuller

Dalby

et al. 2022

Preprint

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“…In the dormouse family (Gliridae) hibernation is used by several species not covered above and in several dormice torpor expression is not highly seasonal. In addition to hibernation from autumn to spring (Pretzlaff and Dausmann, 2012), hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) frequently expressed torpor during summer, although torpor bouts were generally brief (Pretzlaff et al, 2014). Adult male M. avellanarius used torpor more frequently than females during the active season in summer and pregnant females used only shallow torpor, but females with litters and juveniles without mothers occasionally were observed in torpor (Juskaitis, 2005).…”

Section: Seasonal Hibernation Mammals Rodentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seasonal Expression of Avian and Mammalian Daily Torpor and Hibernation: Not a Simple Summer-Winter Affair†

Geiser

2020

Front. Physiol.

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Daily torpor and hibernation (multiday torpor) are the most efficient means for energy conservation in endothermic birds and mammals and are used by many small species to deal with a number of challenges. These include seasonal adverse environmental conditions and low food/water availability, periods of high energetic demands, but also reduced foraging options because of high predation pressure. Because such challenges differ among regions, habitats and food consumed by animals, the seasonal expression of torpor also varies, but the seasonality of torpor is often not as clear-cut as is commonly assumed and differs between hibernators and daily heterotherms expressing daily torpor exclusively. Hibernation is found in mammals from all three subclasses from the arctic to the tropics, but is known for only one bird. Several hibernators can hibernate for an entire year or express torpor throughout the year (8% of species) and more hibernate from late summer to spring (14%). The most typical hibernation season is the cold season from fall to spring (48%), whereas hibernation is rarely restricted to winter (6%). In hibernators, torpor expression changes significantly with season, with strong seasonality mainly found in the sciurid and cricetid rodents, but seasonality is less pronounced in the marsupials, bats and dormice. Daily torpor is diverse in both mammals and birds, typically is not as seasonal as hibernation and torpor expression does not change significantly with season. Torpor in spring/summer has several selective advantages including: energy and water conservation, facilitation of reproduction or growth during development with limited resources, or minimisation of foraging and thus exposure to predators. When torpor is expressed in spring/summer it is usually not as deep and long as in winter, because of higher ambient temperatures, but also due to seasonal functional plasticity. Unlike many other species, subtropical nectarivorous blossom-bats and desert spiny mice use more frequent and pronounced torpor in summer than in winter, which is related to seasonal availability of nectar or water. Thus, seasonal use of torpor is complex and differs among species and habitats.

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“…It occurs in small population densities (Juškaitis, 2005) and requires well networked forests as it avoids open land (Bright & Morris, 1990, 1991Mortelliti, et al, 2013;Ramakers et al, 2014;Sozio et al, 2015;Trout et al, 2012). Habitats should have a high plant-species diversity with various deciduous trees and shrubs (Juškaitis & Remeisis, 2007) since M. avellanarius needs seeds with high caloric but low tannin content to cover high energy expenditure during the active season (Pretzlaff et al, 2014) and to build fat reserves for hibernation (Ancillotto et al, 2014). It is highly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation (Büchner, 2008;Zapponi, et al, 2013) as it moves arboreally among branches (Di Cerbo & Biancardi, 2013) in 2-5 m height avoiding the floor (Bright, 1998;Bright & Morris, 1991).…”

Section: Study Speciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stealthy at the roadside: Connecting role of roadside hedges and copse for silvicolous, small mammal populations

Encarnação

Becker

2015

Journal for Nature Conservation

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Energy expenditure increases during the active season in the small, free-living hibernator Muscardinus avellanarius

Cited by 10 publications

References 40 publications

Hazel dormouse in managed woodland select for young, dense, and species-rich tree stands

Hazel dormouse in managed woodland select for young, dense, and species-rich tree stands

Seasonal Expression of Avian and Mammalian Daily Torpor and Hibernation: Not a Simple Summer-Winter Affair†

Stealthy at the roadside: Connecting role of roadside hedges and copse for silvicolous, small mammal populations

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