Age-related variation in breeding performance is well-known in birds. Similarly, plumage ornamentation as a signal of male quality may affect breeding performance. However, because of inter-correlation between age and plumage ornamentation, it is difficult to estimate the relative contribution of these factors on breeding performance in natural variation. In the current study, we examined the relationship between breeding characteristics, age and throat ornament size of bluethroat males (Luscinia s. svecica). The study was conducted on 96 males in the Krkonoše Mountains, Czech Republic, in 2003-2011. The results show that older males had higher reproductive performance: they arrived earlier, were more likely to be territorial, had larger clutches and thus had more hatchlings. On the other hand, ornamentation had a few, inconsistent correlations with breeding performances: well-ornamented males had fewer mates but had more fledglings. Our results suggest that age rather than ornamentation size is the main correlate of variation in breeding performance.

Lithuania and surrounding countries are situated in the northern part of dormouse (Gliridae) distribution ranges. Garden dormouse may be extinct in all these countries because the last observations of this species were recorded in the end of 20^th century. Fat dormouse is rare and declining in Lithuania and surrounding countries because of destruction of their habitats – felling of mature oakdominated forests. Forest dormouse is rare because western limit of is distribution range goes through Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Status of the hazel dormouse is different in the countries concerned. This species is common and widespread in Lithuania, but red-listed in Latvia and Belarus, and absent in large deforested areas in Poland. The hazel dormouse may be extinct in Estonia, but common and not threatened in southern Sweden. In different countries, status of the hazel dormouse depends on anthropogenic influence on its habitats and probably also on investigation level. Some outdated information on distribution and status of some dormouse species is presented in the IUCN red lists.

Facing the ongoing decline in garden dormice (Eliomys quercinus) in large parts of Europe, data about genetic diversity, weight, size, and parasite burden were collected from live individuals (n = 156) from Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Blood was collected under Isoflurane-oxygen-anaesthesia from the anterior vena cava or jugular vein, respectively. Sex, weight, tibiotarsal and tail length of all animals were recorded. Genetic analysis (n = 64) using hair samples, viral examinations of oral, ocular and anal swabs (n = 156) and parasitological examination of faecal samples (n = 57) were performed. Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA revealed three haplotypes in the study area (WE4, WE4-3, WE5). Microsatellite analysis demonstrated a comparably high genetic diversity with 66 % overlap of alleles, a low genetic distance (D_Jost 5.6 %) and a low index of differentiation (F_ST = 0.02) between individuals from Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate. All swab samples were negative for Borna disease virus. In 47 % of the faecal samples Entamoeba sp. cysts, Eimeria sp. oocysts, and eggs of trematodes, cestodes (Hymenolepis spp.) and nematodes (Capillaria spp., Strongylida) were detected. To our knowledge, this is the first report of inhalation anaesthesia, clinical examination, blood collection and assessment of Borna disease virus in living garden dormice.

Here, we report the values of 13 haematological parameters obtained from 10 potentially reproductive female individuals of the edible dormouse (Glis glis) from anthropogenically uninfluenced deciduous woodlands of Colchisian-Mediterranean type, with evergreen colchisine sub-forest in the Strandja region of Northeastern Thrace (Bulgaria). All specimens were captured at the end of the spring season in the bird's nest box in which they had lived.

Values of hematological parameters investigated were calculated using a non-parametric percentile method and are described by their basic descriptive statistics (Mean; Median; SD; 2.5, 25, 75 and 97.5 percentile values). The present examination and statistical analysis of the hematological parameters described has established the basic norm of their variation in this species, described by their 2.5-97.5 % percentile range. This can be used not only for evaluation of the physiological condition of individuals, but also as an informative marker for evaluating the quality of the natural environment which they inhabit and thus contributes to species conservation in the Southeast Balkans.

Food preferences of the edible dormouse were revealed with the use of radio-tracking. Studies were conducted on two plots in July and August of two years: one year with good beech (Fagus sylvatica) mast and the second with poor beech mast. Study plots were located in Roztocze National Park (RNP) where beech constituted about 80 % of the tree stand) and in Sieraków Landscape Park (SLP) where beech formed about 30 % of the tree stand. Six individuals (three males, three females) were radio-tracked in both years on each plot. Every animal was radio-tracked during four nights by using continuous recording during which the duration of foraging on particular tree species was recorded.

On both study plots, the dormice foraged mostly on the common beech, eating both ripe fruit, ripening fruit and vegetative parts of trees. In a beech mast year, on both study plots, the animals foraged on the beech (both July and August) and on the fir Abies alba in RNP and on the common hazel Corylus avellana in SLP (in August). Bigger differences in diets between the two populations studied were found in a non-mast year, resulting from differential foraging and exploitation of subdominant tree and bush species on the plots. The dormice foraged mostly on food that was characterized by the highest nutritional value at a given time.

A feral population of edible dormice (Glis glis) has been monitored by examining a network of 230 nest boxes placed ca. 25 m apart within a 100 ha wood in southern England. Individuals have been microchipped as juveniles or adults to subsequently determine various parameters during their lifetime. Evidence from microchipping records indicated that most individuals were recorded in summer in one or very few adjacent nest boxes during their known lifespan – even for individuals recorded over ten years old. During most years between 2009 to 2016 radio collars were fitted in the autumn to a small sample of microchipped adult individuals. These adults were located periodically if possible using radio telemetry to determine the exact location of their winter hibernaculum. The distances and direction from the known nest boxes used were very variable. Some individual hibernacula were also successfully excavated to provide further information. The data are analysed and discussed in the context of preparing control operations where Glis are a pest in houses or woods.

Major roads are commonly regarded as migration barriers for most terrestrial animal species. Hazel dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius, populations in south-eastern Schleswig-Holstein were investigated in order to assess the possible effects of major roads on their genetic variability and genetic structure. A total of 177 samples were collected and analysed, using ten microsatellite loci. Estimates of genetic diversity (expected heterozygosity: 0.48-0.65, allelic richness: 2.9-3.9) were within the range commonly found in this species. No evidence of inbreeding or past bottlenecks was detected. The software structure grouped the samples into five subpopulations. However, this subdivision should be treated with caution, since many individuals with mixed or unclear genetic profiles were found, possibly representing migrants or their offspring. Contrary to the previous assumption that dormice hardly ever cross roads, the present study shows that dormice not only cross even major roads, but also hold close relationships to individuals living on the other side of the motorway. The high number of animals captured within a small area and the relatively low genetic differentiation (F_ST: 0.142 and 0.105) despite the great distances (33.1 and 25.6 km) along the road, indicate that the roadside shrubs can actually be good habitats for dormice and provide suitable corridors for migration.

Within a conifer plantation, hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) were individually marked from 2000 to 2016. In four adjacent experimental study areas (ESAs) of 3 ha each, a different method of restoration of a Planted Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) was carried out in autumn 2003 to remove ca. 33 % of conifers. A third of those left were removed in 2009 and in 2015. The effects on dormouse abundance indices were recorded by routine monitoring of nest boxes, including marking individuals. The overall number of dormouse captures varied from year to year, increasing the year following forestry operations in 2003 and 2009, possibly because nest boxes temporarily became more attractive. The numbers of individually marked adults showed a stable trend but less variation. The numbers of small juveniles recorded appears to be rising in recent years, suggesting a positive impact during the later stages of this conifer forest reversion. The overwinter survival index of marked juveniles fell significantly for those born the year after each forest operation but not those alive when the felling took place. Adult survival did not fall in either year. Initially, dormouse populations were sustained in each ESA after management and the numbers were not significantly different between the treatments. After the 2009 operation dormouse numbers fell significantly in the traditional mechanical area-wide forest thinning treatment and low abundance has continued. This study demonstrating maintenance of a population of a European Protected Species has important implications for managers and we suggest similar forest management considerations are incorporated into policy and best practice guidelines. The results so far suggest that a patchwork regime type of conifer removal regime can be chosen to be both pragmatic for an economic forestry business and ensuring dormice remain in the local forest.