Fat dormouse  (Glis glis)

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Hibernation: a winter survival strategy characteristic of some mammals in which an animal's metabolic rate slows down and a state of deep sleep is attained. Whilst hibernating, animals survive on stored reserves of fat that they have accumulated in summer. In insects, the correct term for hibernation is 'diapause', a temporary pause in development and growth. Any stage of the lifecycle (eggs, larvae, pupae or adults) may enter diapause, which is typically associated with winter.

References

  1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (May 2002)
    http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn
  2. Burton, J. A. (1991) Field guide to the mammals of Britain and Europe. Kingfisher Books, London.
  3. Fat dormouse, or edible dormouse. The dormouse hollow. (August 2002)
    http://www.glirarium.de/dormouse/dm-biology-glis.html
  4. Macdonnald, D. W. & Tattersall, F. T. (2001) Britain's mammals- the challenge for conservation. The Wildlife Conservation research Unit, Oxford University.
    www.wildcru.org
  5. Animal Diversity Web (August 2002)
    http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/myoxus/m._glis.html
  6. Alderton, D. (1999) Rodents of the world. Blandford, London.
  7. Macdonnald, D. W (2001) The New Encyclopedia of Mammals. Oxford University Press, Oxford.