
©Danny Green
Hazel dormouse
Scientific name: Muscardinus avellanarius
The shy hazel dormouse is very hard to spot - not only is it nocturnal, but it is mostly confined to southern England, living at low densities, high-up in the tree canopy. It also hibernates for much of the year.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Length: 6-9cmTail: 5.7-6.8cm
Weight: 15-40g
Average lifespan: 5 years
Conservation status
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Listed as a European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive.