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Dormice are mammals that
belong to rodent family. They are sociable
creatures that live in family groups or at
least in pairs. The females take care of the
young. Dormice can be found in Europe, Central
and South Asia, and Africa, as well as
Australia and New Guinea. These animals mostly
dwell in hilly, mountainous, grassy areas.
During their active season, they live above
the trees and make their nests within the
branches and boughs. During winter, however,
these creatures build nests within the roots
of trees and they stay there until the winter
passes.
Dormice are nocturnal, and
remain in their nests throughout the day. This
means that they seek their sustenance from
night fall until day break. Dormice mostly
feed on various kinds of fruits and seeds, and
there are some species that eat insects. that
provide them with protein. Vegetal substances
provide them with carbohydrates.
While rodents in general have
a part of the gut called a cecum that is used
to ferment vegetable matter, dormice are an
exception to this rule.
With the beginning of winter,
the temperature decreases and dormice observe
fast. During this time they hibernate and
enter a coma-like state, being almost unaware
of what is around them. During the summer
their bodies accumulate fat that nourishes
them while they are hibernating. When the
winter passes and the weather becomes warmer,
dormice wake up, open their eyes to see what
is around them, and move around cautiously.
They then begin eating any suitable food that
they can find.
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