Occurrence of the harvest mouse (<i>Micromys minutus</i>) and the hazel dormouse (<i>Muscardinus avellanarius</i>) in Slovakia based on summer nests (2013–2021)

Abstract The author states the occurrence of harvest mouse ( Micromys minutus (Pallas, 1771)) and hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius (Linnaeus, 1758)) in East Slovakia based on summer nests from field margins, hedgerows, woodland edges. A total 791 (551 M. 240 ) 71 localities were observed over years 2013–2021. elevation range these sites was between 110 – 560 m a.s.l., with different ratio recorded for both species. For 15 plant species 16 confirmed, dominance their use. statistically significant difference confirmed by Mann-Whitney U test comparing two common plants i.e., Prunus spinosa L. (U = 866.0, p 0.012) Rubus plicatus Weihe &amp; Nees 1103.0, ˂ 0.0001). Moreover, Spearman’s correlations relationships positions height. At same time, 12 individuals 8 dead or escaping directly nests. Analysis composition leaves showed following proportions. Leaves three R. (66.2%), Carpinus betulus (14.5%), P. (8.3%) most mixed foliar nests, a dominant species, (50.0%) C. (41.6%), recorded. Finally, layered (33.3%) obtained data help spreading knowledge territory Slovakia.