Influence of tree resources on nest box use by the Japanese dormouse Glirulus japonicus

Published source details Nakamura-Kojo Y., Kojo N., Ootsuka T., Minami M. & Tamate H.B. (2014) Influence of tree resources on nest box use by the Japanese dormouse Glirulus japonicus. Mammal Study, 39, 17-26.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Provide artificial dens or nest boxes on trees Action Link

Provide artificial dens or nest boxes on trees

A study in 2004–2005 in a forest reserve in Nagano Prefecture, Japan (Nakamura-Kojo et al. 2014) found nest boxes were used by Japanese dormouse Glirulus japonicus. Of 200 nest boxes, at least 127 (64%) were occupied by dormice. Thirty-nine individuals used the nest boxes (total 82 captures), 23 males and 16 females. The number of dormice captured in nest boxes peaked in August 2004 and June 2005 (14 captured/month) and October in both years (10-13). Pup-rearing was observed twice in nest boxes. The average diameter at breast height of trees with used nest boxes (33 cm) was smaller than unused boxes (51 cm). In early 2004, two hundred nest boxes were installed at equal distances across a 3.8-ha area of dense deciduous forest. Nest boxes were constructed from 12-mm-wide pinewood boards with a 35 x 35 mm square entrance at one side. Boxes were attached to trees with a diameter at breast height <40 cm, at a height of 1.0–1.2 m. Boxes were checked 2–4 times/month (total 76 times) between April 2004 and October 2005. Captured dormice were individually marked. Nest boxes were considered occupied when either dormice were present or when nesting materials were found.

(Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)