ACCELERATION OF ANNUAL HIBERNATING CYCLE TO 6 WEEKS IN CAPTIVE DORMICE

Abstract

Cycles of food intake and body weight lasting a few weeks occurred in dormice, Glis glis, kept in the laboratory in relatively constant conditions of temperature (about 25 °C) and photoperiod (about 12 hours light–dark schedule). These fluctuations appeared to be more marked in the winter months. Periods of reduced eating were associated with low body temperatures and lethargy. The frequent disturbance and arousal of the animals was probably an important factor in these short hibernating cycles. The influence of variation of the diet on body weight of dormice is described. Animals kept on ad libitum supplies of sunflower seed became obese and remained so for many months.