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<p>To improve the conservation of the hazel dormouse (<i>Muscardinus avellanarius</i>), non-invasive methods are needed to identify their dietary needs and other habitat requirements. This study aimed to analyze the diet of hazel dormice using faeces collected from summer nest boxes set up as part of a monitoring program. Faeces were analysed using micro-histological and eDNA techniques. DNA analysis revealed difficulties in distinguishing hazel dormouse faeces from those of other small mammals using the same nest boxes. Of the 33 samples tested, only five were confirmed to be pure hazel dormouse faeces, while the remaining samples contained DNA from other small mammals. Micro-histological studies of the five pure hazel dormouse samples (20 faeces pellets) showed that the average volume percentage per dropping was 33% plant material, 20% hard mast, 2% soft mast, 5% insect remains, and 40% unidentified matter. DNA analysis identified 40 unique taxonomic groups of plants, distributed among 20 plant families classified as nut or fruit-bearing deciduous trees or bushes, one conifer tree species, three species of grass, seven species of herbs, and two species of honeysuckle. This study emphasizes the necessity of verifying the material used for diet analysis of dormice. For future studies, we present a best practice method for analyzing the diet of hazel dormice based on faeces from nest boxes.</p>

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Diet analysis of Hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), and best practice for studies combining DNA and micro-histologic analysis of faecal samples

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月27日

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  • Sussie Pagh,
  • Hanne Lyngholm Larsen,
  • Sara Sofie Bertelsen,
  • Heidi Holm Hansen,
  • Helle Vilhelmsen,
  • Cino Pertoldi,
  • Nadieh de Jonge

摘要

To improve the conservation of the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), non-invasive methods are needed to identify their dietary needs and other habitat requirements. This study aimed to analyze the diet of hazel dormice using faeces collected from summer nest boxes set up as part of a monitoring program. Faeces were analysed using micro-histological and eDNA techniques. DNA analysis revealed difficulties in distinguishing hazel dormouse faeces from those of other small mammals using the same nest boxes. Of the 33 samples tested, only five were confirmed to be pure hazel dormouse faeces, while the remaining samples contained DNA from other small mammals. Micro-histological studies of the five pure hazel dormouse samples (20 faeces pellets) showed that the average volume percentage per dropping was 33% plant material, 20% hard mast, 2% soft mast, 5% insect remains, and 40% unidentified matter. DNA analysis identified 40 unique taxonomic groups of plants, distributed among 20 plant families classified as nut or fruit-bearing deciduous trees or bushes, one conifer tree species, three species of grass, seven species of herbs, and two species of honeysuckle. This study emphasizes the necessity of verifying the material used for diet analysis of dormice. For future studies, we present a best practice method for analyzing the diet of hazel dormice based on faeces from nest boxes.