Japanese Dormouse
Glirulus japonicus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Gliridae
About
The Japanese dormouse is a species of rodent in the family Gliridae endemic to Japan. It is the only extant species within the genus Glirulus. Its natural habitat is temperate forests. In Japanese, it is called yamane. Among dormice, it has the special ability of running at great speed upside down, suspended from branches. Its main food is fruit, insects, berries, nuts, and even flowers. It tends to inhabit arboreal nesting sites to avoid interspecific competition with the small Japanese field mouse because of their sympatric relationship.
Fun Fact
Japanese dormice are some of the smallest types of dormice only weighing up to 40 grams, with the body being less than 8 centimeters (3 inches) long and the tail being up to 6 centimeters (2 inches).
Quick Facts
Habitat
Habitat is temperate forests.
Diet
To be updated
Lifespan
2-5 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance