Asian garden dormouse

Löffelbilch, drawing by Joseph Smit

The Löffelbilch ( Eliomys melanurus ), also Orient sleeper or sleeper desert, is a rodent of the genus in the garden dormouse ( Eliomys ).

Features

With a head-body length of 10 to 18 cm, a tail length of 9 to 14 cm and a weight of 45 to 120 g of Löffelbilch is about the same as the European dormouse ( Eliomys quercinus ). Even the color, the two are very similar with gray brown fur on the back and a whitish underside. Dark areas around the eyes act as a mask. The bushy black tail tip should probably confuse enemies.

Distribution and habitat

The range of the species extends into disjunct populations from northeastern Libya to the west of the Arabian Peninsula and into the southern Turkey. The habitats vary from steppes and semi-deserts to rocky regions, a growth with some trees or bushes is necessary.

Way of life

Like the other garden dormouse is the Löffelbilch mainly nocturnal. During the day it rests in a nest or in rock crevices. Often abandoned nests of other animals serve as the basis for their own nest. Multiple large groups of Löffelbilchs were observed at a location.

The species feeds more on insects, small birds and rodents than other dormice. Nuts and fruits play only a minor role. In colder regions, the Löffelbilch eats in the fall on a layer of fat and hibernate.

The round breeding nests of leaves and grass are placed on top of trees about three feet above the ground and vigorously defended by the females. In general, a litter per year is done. After 22 to 28 days gestation two to eight young are born. The weaning of the pups is done after four weeks. Löffelbilche be about five years old.

Stock

The Löffelbilch occurs relatively frequently and is therefore "not endangered" by the IUCN listed (Least Concern ).

Documents

  • Eliomys melanurus in the Red List of Threatened Species IUCN 2011 Posted by: . Amori, G., Aulagnier, S., Hutterer, R., KRYSTUFEK, B., Yigit, N., Mitsain, G. & Muñoz, LJP, 2008. Accessed 30 August 2011
  • Asian garden dormouse, ARKive.org (English) accessed 30 August, 2011
  • Bilche
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