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<p>The forest dormouse <i>Dryomys nitedula</i> is an arboreal, nocturnal small mammal. This study assessed survey method effectiveness for detecting the species at six survey plots in the Alpine region of Terra Raetica (border area of Switzerland, Austria, and Italy), its western distribution limit. Methods compared included wooden and wood-concrete nest boxes, track tunnels, and camera traps at varying heights. While our findings are limited by a small sample size, not least due to the rarity of the Eastern Alpine subspecies <i>D. nitedula intermedius</i>, they offer a first comparative evaluation of survey methods for <i>D. nitedula</i> in the Eastern Alps. Each survey method has its specific advantages and limitations. Camera traps provide the highest detection rates, nest boxes support in-depth ecological research, and track tunnels expand survey reach through citizen science. Although our study can only be regarded as preliminary, we recommend multi-year, multi-method monitoring, with nest boxes mounted above 2&#xa0;m. Together with sustained public engagement through citizen science, our approach enables the collection of reliable data on the occurrence, biology, and ecology of this rare species.</p>

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In search of the forest dormouse Dryomys nitedula Pallas, 1778 (Mammalia: Gliridae) in the Eastern Alps: which method is best?

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月1日

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  • Eva Ladurner,
  • Regula Tester,
  • Stefan Resch,
  • Christine Resch

摘要

The forest dormouse Dryomys nitedula is an arboreal, nocturnal small mammal. This study assessed survey method effectiveness for detecting the species at six survey plots in the Alpine region of Terra Raetica (border area of Switzerland, Austria, and Italy), its western distribution limit. Methods compared included wooden and wood-concrete nest boxes, track tunnels, and camera traps at varying heights. While our findings are limited by a small sample size, not least due to the rarity of the Eastern Alpine subspecies D. nitedula intermedius, they offer a first comparative evaluation of survey methods for D. nitedula in the Eastern Alps. Each survey method has its specific advantages and limitations. Camera traps provide the highest detection rates, nest boxes support in-depth ecological research, and track tunnels expand survey reach through citizen science. Although our study can only be regarded as preliminary, we recommend multi-year, multi-method monitoring, with nest boxes mounted above 2 m. Together with sustained public engagement through citizen science, our approach enables the collection of reliable data on the occurrence, biology, and ecology of this rare species.