Historic and current distribution of the forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) in Austria

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Austrian populations belong to the distinct subspecies D. nitedula intermedius, which has only been found in the eastern Alpine region. Information on the occurrence of this subspecies is very rare and at the outset of this study most records dated back several decades. The aim of this research was to collect and critically analyse all published records on D.n.intermedius in Austria and revise its distribution range combining data research, field work and citizen science. The species’ current distribution was assessed via a nest box study and a nationwide citizen science program. A total of 168 records could be obtained, with 78 recent detections (2020-2024) from the project. Citizen science proved to be a highly efficient method to obtain records, whereas next box occupancy was low even in the core area of the species’ confirmed range. While a suspected decline of D. n. intermedius in the Alpine foothills was reaffirmed, new occurrences in the south could be documented. The main area of the current Austrian forest dormouse distribution is located in the Central Alps. Dryomys nitedula distribution Alpine region citizen science Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 INTRODUCTION Of the four dormouse species found in Austria, the forest dormouse ( Dryomys nitedula ) is one of the most poorly researched and lesser-known dormouse species in Europe (Fedyń et al. 2021). Its large but patchy distribution area extends from Central Europe to Asia Minor and from the area of the Caucasus to Russia, as well as Central Asia (Kryštufek & Vohralik 1994; Mitchell-Jones, 1999; Grimmberger & Rudloff 2009, Grimmberger 2017). Within its European range it is protected under appendix IV of the EU Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) and annex III of the Bern Convention (Council of Europe 1979). Austrian forest dormouse populations belong to the distinct subspecies Dryomys nitedula intermedius (Nehring 1902), phenotypically characterized by a smaller body size and dark grey back fur. It can be assumed that the subspecies in the eastern Alps represents an isolated population (Zulka 2005, Bisconti et al. 2017). D. n. intermedius inhabits the Alpine region from the eastern edge of the Alps to the right bank of the River Inn in the west (Spitzenberger 2001). It was found in a variety of different native forest habitats including humid mixed deciduous forests with dense undergrowth in valleys, as well as spruce forests with little undergrowth and sparse coniferous forests near the tree line (Spitzenberger 1983, Spitzenberger 2001, Wettstein 1963, Schedl 1968). The altitudinal distribution of documented individuals in Austria ranged from 360 to 2300 m asl (Spitzenberger 2001). At the outset of the project, current data on the distribution of D. n. intermedius were extremely limited. It was last reviewed in Spitzenberger (2001) and most published records were older than 30 years. Findings from regional dormouse studies indicate that the forest dormouse has disappeared from several locations where it was previously found (Blatt & Resch 2014, Resch et al. 2019, Resch et al. 2023). The aim of the present paper is to review the status of the forest dormouse in Austria and to provide a comprehensive overview of its historical and current distribution. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used a multi-method approach to collect records of D. n. intermedius . For both historical and current data, we performed a review of scientific papers as well as an extensive database search. To gain additional information on the current distribution of the species in Austria, fieldwork was combined with a nationwide citizen science program. Field study Nest box surveys were carried out at 20 study sites established in autumn 2020. Each site was equipped with 30 wooden nest boxes hung in pairs at different heights (1.5 to 2.5 m) within a 5 m radius. Distance between pairs was at least 30 m. The boxes were set up on trees situated in forest stands characterised by a dense undergrowth layer and aligned alternately in different directions (N, E, S, W). Boxes were custom-made from rough-sawn timber with an internal volume of approximately 1800 cm³ and a 35 mm-wide entrance hole. Study sites were chosen according to habitat suitability: forest composition and the presence of undergrowth, evidence from past studies, and an absence of large-scale intensive forestry operations. The survey focused on two regions: Region 1: In order to investigate the current status of former occurrences, 14 study sites were located within the species’ core area in the Central Alps (1 Nockberge, 2 Moore am Schwarzenberg, 3 Tamsweg, 4 Moore im Sauerfelder Wald, 5 Hochkönig) and the western part of the Northern Alps (6 Postalm, 7 Bad Mitterndorf, 8 Toplitzsee, 9 Sandling, 10 Pitzingmoos, 11 Langwies bei Ebensee, 12 Taferlklausee, 13 Laudachsee and 14 Spering). The selection was based on museum specimens referenced in the publications by Schedl (1968) and Spitzenberger (1983). Additionally, findings from new studies and publications (Blatt & Resch 2014, Resch et al. 2019, Resch et al. 2023, Stüber et al. 2014) were incorporated into the selection. In accordance with its known habitat preferences, the study sites were situated in various forest types, including coniferous mixed forests in the peripheral areas of moors (5 sites: 2, 4, 5, 6, 10), deciduous-dominated mixed forests (5 sites: 6, 9, 12,13,14), beech forests (2 sites: 8,11), coniferous mixed forests at the tree line (site 1) and a spruce forest with adjoining deciduous forest succession areas (site 3). Region 2: Based on historical records from the western part of the Northern Alps (listed in Spitzenberger 1983) as well as anecdotal references (Spitzenberger 2001, Kryštufek and Vohralik 1994), a possible occurrence at the species’ eastern distribution limit was examined at six sites: eastern part of the Northern Alps (16, 17), Central Alps-Eastern part (18-20) and the Pannonian Plains and Hills (15). These habitats were characterized by deciduous-dominated mixed forests and one floodplain forest (site 15). Citizen science To further increase the detection probability for D. n. intermedius , we invited the public to report chance finds as well as actively look for dormice. A dedicated platform on a project website (www.baumschlaefer.at) was created specifically for this initiative. Teaching material on how to identify and survey dormice was provided online. Records could be submitted as dead finds, sightings, or footprints. Photographic evidence could be uploaded, and dead finds were collected by project assistants. To lower the threshold for participation, no user account was needed to submit records on the platform. Additionally, sightings could be reported via the longest running established citizen science platform for nature observations in Austria www.naturbeobachtung.at (Naturschutzbund Österreich 2024), which already hosted more than 5000 registered users. Data entry could also be made using a mobile app. Four press releases were made to advertise the project nationwide and encourage citizen scientists to take part in the "Search for the forest dormouse". Press work included print and online media, as well as radio and television programmes. Press coverage was analysed using the clipping report of the Austrian federal forests. Pearsons’s correlation coefficient was calculated in MS Excel to measure direct correlations between media reports and the number of dormouse reports entered on the project website. On both citizen science platforms, records of all dormouse species native to Austria ( Dryomys nitedula , Muscardinus avellanarius , Eliomys quercinus , and Glis glis ) could be submitted; however, outreach efforts focused specifically on Dryomys . Confirmed records „C1“ were defined as either dead specimens or reports supported by photographic evidence, both of which were verified by the project team using Small Mammal Evaluation Criteria (Meinig et al. 2023). Only these records were included in the analysis. In this paper, we present all verifiable records submitted up to 30 July 2024. Data research To obtain a comprehensive overview of forest dormouse distribution, we compiled an inventory of records that incorporated museum specimens and verified photos. In addition to data from our project: field studies, baumschlaefer.at (Österreichische Bundesforste & apodemus 2024), naturbeobachtung.at (Naturschutzbund Österreich 2024), the following data sources were consulted: Publications with description of the record types (Schedl 1983, Spitzenberger 1983,), Databases: Tiroler Landesmuseen (2024), inatura - Erlebnis Naturschau Dornbirn (2024), Universalmuseum Joanneum (2024), Landesmuseum Kärnten (2024), Säugetiersammlung Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (2025), GeoMaus (Resch & Resch 2024) and GBIF.org (2024) including: Biodiversitätsdatenbank (Haus der Natur Salzburg 2024), iNaturalist (2024), Mammals housed at MHNG (2024), Observation.org (2024), Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (2024), Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns (2024) and Zobodat (2024). Duplicates were removed. Remaining data points from the years 1900-2024 were georeferenced with an accuracy of two decimal places (corresponds to an inaccuracy of 1100 m) in WGS 84. The outermost points were used to create a minimum convex polygon, which was subsequently displayed on a map. Distribution maps were drawn using QGIS 3.34. Altitude of the precisely located records received were analysed using a 50-meter buffer, and mean elevation values were extracted from the national grid (DGM Österreich, geoland.at, 2015). RESULTS Field work Forest dormice were recorded in nest boxes at three locations within the species’ distribution core region (Region 1): Live individuals were captured at both study sites Tamsweg and Postalm. Additionally, one forest dormouse was confirmed through DNA barcoding of a fecal sample (Relative Fluorescence Units of 4 with 97.31% ID) at the Pitzingmoos study site. No records could be obtained from Region 2. Citizen science The reporting tool on the website baumschlaefer.at provided 57 C1-records of D. n. intermedius , while 22 further reports with photographic evidence were made via naturbeobachtung.at. Data quality of the reports was very high. Only dormice were reported, and the reports could be substantiated by unambiguous photos in 69,9% of the cases. An analysis of media clippings showed that press coverage was highest in online media, with at least 106 articles on news sites, followed by daily or weekly newspapers (38 articles) and TV and radio reports (12). 54% of media reports appeared nationwide, but there were differences in regional coverage between the federal states. Most media reports appeared in Lower Austria, Carinthia and Salzburg (10-12), least in Vorarlberg, Burgenland and Tyrol (2-3). However, there was no correlation between the number of regional press articles and dormouse reports submitted to the project website (r=0,323; p=0,363; N=10). Around 70% of all dormouse reports per year were entered on the platforms in the respective month following a nationwide press release. Data research The following publications, databases and institutions listed 86 evidences (museum specimen or photo) of the forest dormouse: Schedl 1968 (18 entries), Spitzenberger 1983 (20), GeoMaus (12), Säugetiersammlung NHM (6), Tiroler Landesmuseen (2), inatura - Erlebnis Naturschau Dornbirn (2), Universalmuseum Joanneum (5), Landesmuseum Kärnten (2) and GBIF (19): Biodiversitätsdatenbank (8), iNaturalist (3), Mammals housed at MHNG (1), Observation.org (3) Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns (1), Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (1), Zobodat (2). In total, 168 records of the forest dormouse were obtained for Austria from field studies, citizen science and data research. 82 of these records derive from this project: 22 from naturbeobachtung.at, 57 from baumschlaefer.at, and 3 from fieldwork. Of the older records, 37 dated to before 1970, 18 were recorded up to 1995, and 35 up to 2020. According to these 90 occurrence points, between 1900 and 2020 there were many occurrences of the forest dormouse in the Northern Alps (18), Central A. (63) and Southern A. (3) as well as in the Alpine Foothills (4) and in the Klagenfurt Basin (2). The majority of the 78 recent detections (2021-2024) were in 2022 (28), followed by 2023 (25), 2021 (21), and 2024 - July (4); of these 6 were in the Northern Alps, 20 in the Central A., 8 in the Southern A., 2 in the Alpine Foothills and 2 in the Klagenfurt Basin. The majority of occurrences were found in the 1000-1500 m elevation range (34 records), followed closely by the 500-1000 m range (30 records). In the 1500-2000 m range, occurrences decreased (13 records), while only 2 records were found below 500 m and 2 records above 2000 m. DISCUSSION The results of this study suggest that the main area of occurrence of D. n. intermedius in Austria is located in the Central Alps. In the Alpine foothills, the ongoing decline in its range has been reaffirmed. As noted in Resch et al. (2023), populations in Wels and Gunskirchen have gone extinct, and previously mentioned occurrences between 1975 and 1987 in the Kobenaußerwald and Vöcklabrucker Hügelland (Spitzenberger 2001) remain unconfirmed. New confirmed records from Neumarkt am Wallersee and Pitzingmoos in this study, along with the record from Kalkalpen National Park (Resch et al. 2023), mark the current northern limit of its occurrence in the Alps. In the Central Alps, the eastern limit of its range runs between Rax, Semmering, and Trattenbach, following the border between the federal states of Lower Austria and Styria. To the south, its range is marked by occurrences in the Styrian Highlands, with new records extending beyond its previously known distribution. Its presence in the Southern Alpine Foreland (Stainz from 1955, as reported by Schedl 1968) could not be confirmed. However, new occurrences have been documented in the Klagenfurt Basin and the Southern Alps, representing a continuation of the species’ range from neighbouring Italy and Slovenia (Kryštufek & Vohralik 1994). In the Northern Alps of North Tyrol, no records were obtained. The river Inn thus remains its northern distribution boundary (Spitzenberger 1983, Krystufek & Vohralik 1994, Spitzenberger 2001). In the Central Alps, this project documented occurrences in the Zillertal in 2023. It should be noted that the data basis along its western distribution limit is comparatively small. No survey areas were established in this region as part of this project. Further investigation efforts are necessary to provide scientifically sound statements regarding its occurrence in western Austria. Citizen science provided the vast majority (96%) of current C1 records in this project. This makes it a meaningful tool to map dormice, even given the limits of this method (Büchner et al. 2023). Citizen science reports are susceptible to spatial bias since volunteers are more likely to sample accessible locations or human-modified land than remote habitats (Millar et al. 2018). However, even if missing objective sampling effort, citizen science records provided highly valuable insight to the species’ large-scale current distribution, as has already been shown for the garden dormouse (Meinig et al. 2023). If no reports were obtained at all at the scale of a federal state, we assume this is a clear first indication the species may indeed be absent from the area. Even though forest dormice have been successfully captured in other studies using nest boxes (Juškaitis et al. 2012, 2015; Juškaitis and Keturka 2017; Pilāts et al. 2012), the low detection rate in this study - with records at only 3 out of 14 study sites within its known distribution range (Region 1) - raises the question of whether alternative methods such as tracking tubes or wildlife cameras might be more effective for detecting the species, as is the case with other elusive small mammal species (Bullion et al. 2021; McCleery et al. 2021; Resch and Resch 2019; Stille et al. 2018; Verhees et al. 2024). A pilot study using passive sound recorders with recordings from captive animals indicates bioacoustics could be as successful to detect the forest dormouse as it is with other dormouse species (e.g. Ancillotto et al. 2014; Adamik et al. 2019; Nava et al. 2024). Further field studies, for example at our study site in Tamsweg, where Dryomys have been recorded, are under preparation. Declarations Acknowledgements This work was funded by the European Union Rural Development Fund LE14-20, Project “Waldflächen für den Baumschläfer” (LE project no 7.6.1.c-III4-53/19). It would not have been possible without the dedicated participation of more than a hundred citizen scientists. We are very thankful for their contributions. Author contribution declaration All authors contributed equally to this work. B.R. designed the study, C.K. and B.R. supervised the project. C.R. and S.R. developed the citizen science project web platform and database and georeferenced data points. All authors conducted field work, collected and analysed data and wrote the manuscript. All authors discussed the results and implications and commented on the manuscript at all stages. Competing Interest declaration The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. 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Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 02 Aug, 2025 Read the published version in European Journal of Wildlife Research → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 27 May, 2025 Reviews received at journal 26 May, 2025 Reviews received at journal 15 May, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 08 May, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 07 May, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 07 May, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 07 May, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 07 May, 2025 First submitted to journal 30 Apr, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6566318","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":453664529,"identity":"34fab633-b147-488c-9b7b-e41cb910b6b7","order_by":0,"name":"Claudia Kubista","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Österreichische Bundesforste","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Claudia","middleName":"","lastName":"Kubista","suffix":""},{"id":453664530,"identity":"1e8fd0de-414f-4e5a-95ed-5800809c46de","order_by":1,"name":"Christine Resch","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"apodemus - Institut für Wildtierbiologie","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Christine","middleName":"","lastName":"Resch","suffix":""},{"id":453664531,"identity":"b0ab5507-ee69-4e77-b76c-b823ab82e231","order_by":2,"name":"Stefan Resch","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"apodemus - Institut für Wildtierbiologie","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Stefan","middleName":"","lastName":"Resch","suffix":""},{"id":453664532,"identity":"0642b191-2947-44f3-b7e1-1d91303afa14","order_by":3,"name":"Birgit Rotter","email":"data:image/png;base64,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","orcid":"","institution":"Österreichische Bundesforste","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Birgit","middleName":"","lastName":"Rotter","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-04-30 15:23:25","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6566318/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6566318/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-025-01967-8","type":"published","date":"2025-08-02T16:13:17+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":82507764,"identity":"01bebd95-8acc-4932-b24c-94a1fa85eef4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-12 09:58:18","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":787365,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eField study sites (Region 1: 1-14 and Region 2: 15-20) with ecoregions (Umweltbundesamt GmbH 2024) and federal state borders in white lines (BEV 2024).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring 2021 and 2022, each nestbox was monitored three times per year (spring: April/May, summer: August/September, and autumn: October/November). If dormice were present, sex, age, weight, and apparent state of health were recorded. Fecal samples found in boxes were sent for barcoding (sinsoma GmbH). The DNA sequences were analyzed and compared with the sequence databases at NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth actual captures and positive DNA samples were included as records in the distribution analysis.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6566318/v1/01ed2a58ab1e2eaf2d9a0aea.png"},{"id":82508989,"identity":"a5bafabf-77c2-4044-8148-85cc745faf62","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-12 10:14:18","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":690646,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eRecords of \u003cem\u003eD. n. intermedius\u003c/em\u003e in Austria up to 2024 in the EEA reference grid with ecoregions in grey areas (Umweltbundesamt GmbH 2024) and federal state borders in white lines (BEV 2024). White/light grey/dark grey/black squares = 10x10 km raster cell with forest dormouse presence between 1901 and 1969 / 1970 and 1995 / 1996 and 2000 / 2021 and 2024.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6566318/v1/3e9f2d9e60ac04ec496102e7.png"},{"id":82507766,"identity":"30654846-0921-4163-8da4-04470f94f49a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-12 09:58:18","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":2106359,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDistribution range (MCP) of \u003cem\u003eD.n. intermedius\u003c/em\u003e in Austria up to 2020 (black dotted line) and between 2021 and 2024 (red line).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6566318/v1/bfe29052d39e41a207115620.png"},{"id":88268834,"identity":"a9b8700f-2d24-4560-ab01-460e69aae82d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-04 16:52:29","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":4432331,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6566318/v1/8d49be67-8521-466e-9ac3-6eb4d2522f43.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Historic and current distribution of the forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) in Austria","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eOf the four dormouse species found in Austria, the forest dormouse (\u003cem\u003eDryomys nitedula\u003c/em\u003e) is one of the most poorly researched and lesser-known dormouse species in Europe (Fedyń et al. 2021). Its large but patchy distribution area extends from Central Europe to Asia Minor and from the area of the Caucasus to Russia, as well as Central Asia (Kry\u0026scaron;tufek \u0026amp; Vohralik 1994; Mitchell-Jones, 1999; Grimmberger \u0026amp; Rudloff 2009, Grimmberger 2017). Within its European range it is protected under appendix IV of the EU Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) and annex III of the Bern Convention (Council of Europe 1979).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAustrian forest dormouse populations belong to the distinct subspecies \u003cem\u003eDryomys nitedula intermedius\u003c/em\u003e (Nehring 1902), phenotypically characterized by a smaller body size and dark grey back fur. It can be assumed that the subspecies in the eastern Alps represents an isolated population (Zulka 2005, Bisconti et al. 2017). \u003cem\u003eD. n. intermedius\u003c/em\u003e inhabits the Alpine region from the eastern edge of the Alps to the right bank of the River Inn in the west (Spitzenberger 2001). It was found in a variety of different native forest habitats including humid mixed deciduous forests with dense undergrowth in valleys, as well as spruce forests with little undergrowth and sparse coniferous forests near the tree line (Spitzenberger 1983,\u0026nbsp;Spitzenberger 2001, Wettstein 1963, Schedl 1968). The altitudinal distribution of documented individuals in Austria ranged from 360 to 2300 m asl (Spitzenberger 2001).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the outset of the project, current data on the distribution of \u003cem\u003eD. n. intermedius\u003c/em\u003e were extremely limited. It was last reviewed in Spitzenberger (2001) and most published records were older than 30 years. Findings from regional dormouse studies indicate that the forest dormouse has disappeared from several locations where it was previously found (Blatt \u0026amp; Resch 2014, Resch et al. 2019, Resch et al. 2023). The aim of the present paper is to review the status of the forest dormouse in Austria and to provide a comprehensive overview of its historical and current distribution.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"MATERIAL AND METHODS","content":"\u003cp\u003eWe used a multi-method approach to collect records of \u003cem\u003eD. n. intermedius\u003c/em\u003e. For both historical and current data, we performed a review of scientific papers as well as an extensive database search. To gain additional information on the current distribution of the species in Austria, fieldwork was combined with a nationwide citizen science program.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eField study\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNest box surveys were carried out at 20 study sites established in autumn 2020. Each site was equipped with 30 wooden nest boxes hung in pairs at different heights (1.5 to 2.5 m) within a 5 m radius. Distance between pairs was at least 30 m. The boxes were set up on trees situated in forest stands characterised by a dense undergrowth layer and aligned alternately in different directions (N, E, S, W). Boxes were custom-made from rough-sawn timber with an internal volume of approximately 1800 cm³ and a 35 mm-wide entrance hole.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudy sites were chosen according to habitat suitability: forest composition and the presence of undergrowth, evidence from past studies, and an absence of large-scale intensive forestry operations. The survey focused on two regions:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegion 1: In order to investigate the current status of former occurrences, 14 study sites were located within the species’ core area in the Central Alps (1 Nockberge, 2 Moore am Schwarzenberg, 3 Tamsweg, 4 Moore im Sauerfelder Wald, 5 Hochkönig) and the western part of the Northern Alps (6 Postalm, 7 Bad Mitterndorf, 8 Toplitzsee, 9 Sandling, 10 Pitzingmoos, 11 Langwies bei Ebensee, 12 Taferlklausee, 13 Laudachsee and 14 Spering).\u0026nbsp;The selection was based on museum specimens referenced in the publications by\u0026nbsp;Schedl (1968) and Spitzenberger (1983).\u0026nbsp;Additionally, findings from new studies and publications (Blatt \u0026amp; Resch 2014, Resch et al. 2019, Resch et al. 2023, Stüber et al. 2014)\u0026nbsp;were incorporated into the selection. In accordance with its known habitat preferences, the study sites were situated\u0026nbsp;in various forest types, including\u0026nbsp;coniferous mixed forests in the peripheral areas of moors (5 sites: 2, 4, 5, 6, 10), deciduous-dominated mixed forests\u0026nbsp;(5 sites: 6, 9, 12,13,14), beech forests (2 sites: 8,11),\u0026nbsp;coniferous mixed forests at the tree line (site 1) and a spruce forest with adjoining deciduous forest succession areas (site 3).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegion 2: Based on historical records from the western part of the Northern Alps (listed in Spitzenberger 1983) as well as anecdotal references (Spitzenberger 2001, Kryštufek and Vohralik 1994), a possible occurrence at the species’ eastern distribution limit was examined at six sites: eastern part of the Northern Alps \u0026nbsp;(16, 17), Central Alps-Eastern part (18-20) and the Pannonian Plains and Hills (15). These habitats were characterized by deciduous-dominated mixed forests and one floodplain forest (site 15).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCitizen science\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo further increase the detection probability for \u003cem\u003eD. n. intermedius\u003c/em\u003e, we invited the public to report chance finds as well as actively look for dormice. A dedicated platform on a project website (www.baumschlaefer.at) was created specifically for this initiative. Teaching material on how to identify and survey dormice was provided online. Records could be submitted as dead finds, sightings, or footprints. Photographic evidence could be uploaded, and dead finds were collected by project assistants. To lower the threshold for participation, no user account was needed to submit records on the platform.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, sightings could be reported via the longest running established citizen science platform for nature observations in Austria\u0026nbsp;www.naturbeobachtung.at (Naturschutzbund Österreich 2024), which already hosted more than 5000 registered users.\u0026nbsp;Data entry could also be made using a mobile app.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour press releases were made to advertise the project nationwide and encourage citizen scientists to take part in the \"Search for the forest dormouse\". Press work included print and online media, as well as radio and television programmes. Press coverage was analysed using the clipping report of the Austrian federal forests. Pearsons’s correlation coefficient was calculated in MS Excel to measure direct correlations between media reports and the number of dormouse reports entered on the project website.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn both citizen science platforms, records of all dormouse species native to Austria (\u003cem\u003eDryomys nitedula\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eMuscardinus avellanarius\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eEliomys quercinus\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eGlis glis\u003c/em\u003e) could be submitted; however, outreach efforts focused specifically on \u003cem\u003eDryomys\u003c/em\u003e. Confirmed records „C1“ were defined as either dead specimens or reports supported by photographic evidence, both of which were verified by the project team\u0026nbsp;using Small Mammal Evaluation Criteria (Meinig et al. 2023). Only these records were included in the analysis. In this paper, we present all verifiable records submitted up to 30 July 2024.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData research\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo obtain a comprehensive overview of forest dormouse distribution, we compiled an inventory of records that incorporated museum specimens and verified photos. In addition to data from our project: field studies, baumschlaefer.at (Österreichische Bundesforste \u0026amp; apodemus 2024), naturbeobachtung.at (Naturschutzbund Österreich 2024), the following data sources were consulted: Publications with description of the record types (Schedl 1983, Spitzenberger 1983,), Databases: Tiroler Landesmuseen (2024), inatura -\u0026nbsp;Erlebnis Naturschau Dornbirn\u0026nbsp;(2024), Universalmuseum Joanneum (2024), Landesmuseum Kärnten (2024), Säugetiersammlung Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (2025), GeoMaus (Resch \u0026amp; Resch 2024) and GBIF.org (2024) including: Biodiversitätsdatenbank (Haus der Natur Salzburg 2024), iNaturalist (2024), Mammals housed at MHNG (2024), Observation.org (2024), Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (2024), Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns (2024) and Zobodat (2024). Duplicates were removed. Remaining data points from the years 1900-2024 were georeferenced with an accuracy of two decimal places (corresponds to an inaccuracy of 1100 m) in WGS 84.\u0026nbsp;The outermost points were used to create a minimum convex polygon, which was subsequently displayed on a map.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDistribution maps were drawn using QGIS 3.34.\u0026nbsp;Altitude of the precisely located records received were analysed using a 50-meter buffer, and mean elevation values were extracted from the national grid\u0026nbsp;(DGM Österreich, geoland.at, 2015).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eField work\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForest dormice were recorded in nest boxes at three locations within the species\u0026rsquo; distribution core region (Region 1): Live individuals were captured at both study sites Tamsweg and Postalm. Additionally, one forest dormouse was confirmed through DNA barcoding of a fecal sample (Relative Fluorescence Units of 4 with 97.31% ID) at the Pitzingmoos study site. No records could be obtained from Region 2.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCitizen science\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reporting tool on the website baumschlaefer.at provided 57 C1-records of \u003cem\u003eD. n. intermedius\u003c/em\u003e, while 22 further reports with photographic evidence were made via naturbeobachtung.at. Data quality of the reports was very high. Only dormice were reported, and the reports could be substantiated by unambiguous photos in 69,9% of the cases.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn analysis of media clippings showed that press coverage was highest in online media, with at least 106 articles on news sites, followed by daily or weekly newspapers (38 articles) and TV and radio reports (12). 54% of media reports appeared nationwide, but there were differences in regional coverage between the federal states. Most media reports appeared in Lower Austria, Carinthia and Salzburg (10-12), least in Vorarlberg, Burgenland and Tyrol (2-3). However, there was no correlation between the number of regional press articles and dormouse reports submitted to the project website (r=0,323; p=0,363; N=10). Around 70% of all dormouse reports per year were entered on the platforms in the respective month following a nationwide press release.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData research\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe following publications, databases and institutions listed 86 evidences (museum specimen or photo) of the forest dormouse: Schedl 1968 (18 entries), Spitzenberger 1983 (20), \u0026nbsp;GeoMaus (12), S\u0026auml;ugetiersammlung NHM (6), Tiroler Landesmuseen (2), inatura -\u0026nbsp;Erlebnis Naturschau Dornbirn\u0026nbsp;(2), Universalmuseum Joanneum (5), Landesmuseum K\u0026auml;rnten (2) and GBIF (19): Biodiversit\u0026auml;tsdatenbank (8), iNaturalist (3), Mammals housed at MHNG (1), Observation.org (3) Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns (1), Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (1), Zobodat (2).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn total, 168 records of the forest dormouse were obtained for Austria from field studies, citizen science and data research. 82 of these records derive from this project: 22 from naturbeobachtung.at, 57 from baumschlaefer.at, and 3 from fieldwork. Of the older records, 37 dated to before 1970, 18 were recorded up to 1995, and 35 up to 2020. According to these 90 occurrence points, between 1900 and 2020 there were many occurrences of the forest dormouse in the Northern Alps (18), Central A. (63) and Southern A. (3) as well as in the Alpine Foothills (4) and in the Klagenfurt Basin (2).\u0026nbsp;The majority of the 78 recent detections (2021-2024) were in 2022 (28), followed by 2023 (25), 2021 (21), and 2024 - July (4); of these 6 were in the Northern Alps, 20 in the Central A., 8 in the Southern A., 2 in the Alpine Foothills and 2 in the Klagenfurt Basin.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe majority of occurrences were found in the 1000-1500 m elevation range (34 records), followed closely by the 500-1000 m range (30 records). In the 1500-2000 m range, occurrences decreased (13 records), while only 2 records were found below 500 m and 2 records above 2000 m.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe results of this study suggest that the main area of occurrence of \u003cem\u003eD. n. intermedius\u003c/em\u003e in Austria is located in the Central Alps.\u0026nbsp;In the Alpine foothills, the ongoing decline in its range has been reaffirmed. As noted in Resch et al. (2023), populations in Wels and Gunskirchen have gone extinct, and previously mentioned occurrences between 1975 and 1987 in the Kobenaußerwald and Vöcklabrucker Hügelland (Spitzenberger 2001) remain unconfirmed. New confirmed records from Neumarkt am Wallersee and Pitzingmoos in this study, along with the record from Kalkalpen National Park (Resch et al. 2023), mark the current northern limit of its occurrence in the Alps.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Central Alps, the eastern limit of its range runs between Rax, Semmering, and Trattenbach, following the border between the federal states of Lower Austria and Styria. To the south, its range is marked by occurrences in the Styrian Highlands, with new records extending beyond its previously known distribution. Its presence in the Southern Alpine Foreland (Stainz from 1955, as reported by Schedl 1968) could not be confirmed. However, new occurrences have been documented in the Klagenfurt Basin and the Southern Alps,\u0026nbsp;representing a continuation of the species’ range from neighbouring Italy and Slovenia (Kryštufek \u0026amp; Vohralik 1994).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Northern Alps of North Tyrol, no records were obtained. The river Inn thus remains its northern distribution boundary (Spitzenberger 1983, Krystufek \u0026amp; Vohralik 1994, Spitzenberger 2001). In the Central Alps, this project documented occurrences in the Zillertal in 2023. It should be noted that the data basis along its western distribution limit is comparatively small. No survey areas were established in this region as part of this project. Further investigation efforts are necessary to provide scientifically sound statements regarding its occurrence in western Austria.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCitizen science provided the vast majority (96%) of current C1 records in this project. This makes it a meaningful tool to map dormice, even given the limits of this method (Büchner et al. 2023). Citizen science reports are susceptible to spatial bias since volunteers are more likely to sample accessible locations or human-modified land than remote habitats (Millar et al. 2018). However, even if missing objective sampling effort, citizen science records provided highly valuable insight to the species’ large-scale current distribution, as has already been shown for the garden dormouse (Meinig et al. 2023). If no reports were obtained at all at the scale of a federal state, we assume this is a clear first indication the species may indeed be absent from the area.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven though forest dormice have been successfully captured in other studies using nest boxes (Juškaitis et al. 2012, 2015; Juškaitis and Keturka 2017; Pilāts et al. 2012), the low detection rate in this study - with records at only 3 out of 14 study sites within its known distribution range (Region 1) - raises the question of whether alternative methods such as tracking tubes or wildlife cameras might be more effective for detecting the species, as is the case with other elusive small mammal species (Bullion et al. 2021; McCleery et al. 2021; Resch and Resch 2019; Stille et al. 2018; Verhees et al. 2024). A pilot study using passive sound recorders with recordings from captive animals indicates bioacoustics could be as successful to detect the forest dormouse as it is with other dormouse species (e.g. Ancillotto et al. 2014; Adamik et al. 2019; Nava et al. 2024). Further field studies, for example at our study site in Tamsweg, where \u003cem\u003eDryomys\u003c/em\u003e have been recorded, are under preparation.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work was funded by the European Union Rural Development Fund LE14-20, Project \u0026ldquo;Waldfl\u0026auml;chen f\u0026uuml;r den Baumschl\u0026auml;fer\u0026rdquo; (LE project no 7.6.1.c-III4-53/19). It would not have been possible without the dedicated participation of more than a hundred citizen scientists. We are very thankful for their contributions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor contribution declaration\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors contributed equally to this work.\u0026nbsp;B.R. designed the study, C.K. and B.R. supervised the project. C.R. and S.R. developed the citizen science project web platform and database and georeferenced data points. All authors conducted field work, collected and analysed data and wrote the manuscript. All authors discussed the results and implications and commented on the manuscript at all stages.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interest declaration\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe research leading to these results received funding from the European Union Rural Development Fund LE14-20, Project \u0026ldquo;Waldfl\u0026auml;chen f\u0026uuml;r den Baumschl\u0026auml;fer\u0026rdquo; (LE project no 7.6.1.c-III4-53/19).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAdam\u0026iacute;k P, Poledn\u0026iacute;k L, Poledn\u0026iacute;kov\u0026aacute; K, Romportl D (2019) Mapping an elusive arboreal rodent: Combining nocturnal acoustic surveys and citizen science data extends the known distribution of the edible dormouse (\u003cem\u003eGlis glis)\u003c/em\u003e in the Czech Republic. Mammalian Biology 99: 12\u0026ndash;18.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAncillotto L, Sozio G, Mortelliti A, Russo D (2014) Ultrasonic communication in Gliridae (Rodentia): the hazel dormouse (\u003cem\u003eMuscardinus avellanarius\u003c/em\u003e) as a case study. Bioacoustics 23(2): 129\u0026ndash;141.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAnděra M (1987 Dormice (Gliridae) in Czechoslovakia. Part II. \u003cem\u003eMuscardinus avellanarius, Dryomys nitedula\u003c/em\u003e (Rodentia: Mammalia), Folia Musei Rerum Naturalium Bohemiae Occidentalis, Plzeň, Zoologica 26: 3-78.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAnděra M (1995) The present status of Dormice in the Czech Republic. Hystrix 6: (1-2), 155-159.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBiologiezentrum Linz Oberoesterreich (2024) ZOBODAT (Zoological Botanical Database). 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Peckiana 8: 77-85.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePilāts V, Taube L, Pilāte D (2023) Treat assessment for dormice in Latvia \u0026ndash; facts and assumptions (Rodentia: Gliridae). Lynx 54: 121-136.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eResch S, Resch C (2019) Neue Nachweise der schwer erfassbaren Waldbirkenmaus (\u003cem\u003eSicista betulina\u003c/em\u003e PALLAS, 1779) mit Wildtierkameras im Nationalpark Ges\u0026auml;use. Joannea Zoologie 17: 11-22.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eResch S, Resch C, Teubl L (2019) Bilche (Gliridae) am Rannberg im Salzkammergut (Salzburg/\u0026Ouml;sterreich). Mitteilungen des Hauses der Natur 25: 137-144.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eResch S, C Resch C, Plass J (2023) Baumschl\u0026auml;fer (\u003cem\u003eDryomys nitedula\u003c/em\u003e Pallas, 1778). In: P. J. (ed.) Atlas der S\u0026auml;ugetiere Ober\u0026ouml;sterreichs. Nachweise \u0026ndash; Verbreitungsgeschichte \u0026ndash; Rote Liste No. 45. p 460-464. 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Salzburger Natur-Monographien Band 2, Haus der Natur \u0026ndash; Museum f\u0026uuml;r Natur und Technik, Salzburg. 272 pp.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eUmweltbundesamt (2005) Rote Liste S\u0026auml;ugetiere. Available at: \u0026lt;https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umweltbundesamt.at%2Ffileadmin%2Fsite%2Fthemen%2\u003cbr\u003eFnaturschutz%2Frote_liste_saeugetiere_2005.xlsx\u0026amp;wdOrigin=BROWSELINK\u0026gt; (Accessed 05 June 2024).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVerhees JJF, van der Putten TAW, van Hoof PH, Heijkers D, Lemmers P, Esser HJ, de Boer WF (2024) Comparing the effectiveness of short-focal camera trapping, live trapping, and soil eDNA for surveying small mammals: A case study on Eurasian water shrew (Neomys fodiens). Eur. J. Wildl. Res. 70.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWettstein O (1963) Die Wirbeltiere der Ostalpen. \u0026ndash; Verlag Notring der wissenschaftlichen Verb\u0026auml;nde \u0026Ouml;sterreichs, Wien.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"european-journal-of-wildlife-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ejwr","sideBox":"Learn more about [European Journal of Wildlife Research](http://link.springer.com/journal/10344)","snPcode":"10344","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/10344/3","title":"European Journal of Wildlife Research","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Dryomys nitedula, distribution, Alpine region, citizen science","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6566318/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6566318/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe Forest Dormouse (\u003cem\u003eDryomys nitedula\u003c/em\u003e) shows a large albeit heavily fragmented distribution across Europe and Asia. Austrian populations belong to the distinct subspecies \u003cem\u003eD. nitedula intermedius,\u003c/em\u003e which has only been found in the eastern Alpine region. Information on the occurrence of this subspecies is very rare and at the outset of this study most records dated back several decades. The aim of this research was to collect and critically analyse all published records on \u003cem\u003eD.n.intermedius\u003c/em\u003e in Austria and revise its distribution range combining data research, field work and citizen science. The species’ current distribution was assessed via a nest box study and a nationwide citizen science program. A total of 168 records could be obtained, with 78 recent detections (2020-2024) from the project. Citizen science proved to be a highly efficient method to obtain records, whereas next box occupancy was low even in the core area of the species’ confirmed range. While a suspected decline of \u003cem\u003eD. n. intermedius\u003c/em\u003ein the Alpine foothills was reaffirmed, new occurrences in the south could be documented. The main area of the current Austrian forest dormouse distribution is located in the Central Alps.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Historic and current distribution of the forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) in Austria","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-05-12 09:58:14","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6566318/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-05-27T14:15:08+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-05-26T13:02:08+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-05-15T10:23:11+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"74117597710725542874268280265227374535","date":"2025-05-08T08:21:52+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"90116884834559293382520768851125761738","date":"2025-05-07T21:21:28+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-05-07T08:56:30+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-05-07T08:24:35+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-05-07T07:59:17+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"European Journal of Wildlife Research","date":"2025-04-30T15:14:18+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"european-journal-of-wildlife-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ejwr","sideBox":"Learn more about [European Journal of Wildlife Research](http://link.springer.com/journal/10344)","snPcode":"10344","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/10344/3","title":"European Journal of Wildlife Research","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"79c8a768-9df3-4b8f-bd51-3831e242750e","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 12th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-08-04T16:48:50+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-6566318","link":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-025-01967-8","journal":{"identity":"european-journal-of-wildlife-research","isVorOnly":false,"title":"European Journal of Wildlife Research"},"publishedOn":"2025-08-02 16:13:17","publishedOnDateReadable":"August 2nd, 2025"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-05-12 09:58:14","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1007/s10344-025-01967-8","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-025-01967-8","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6566318","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6566318","identity":"rs-6566318","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}