In Italy, Edible dormice are protected, but still sometimes are hunted illegally. [4], Edible dormice that have been isolated on oceanic islands are a prime example of insular gigantism, in which small animals in isolated locations become larger over the course of many generations. The tail is long and bushy, with fur slightly darker than that on the body. In this region, two subspecies of the edible dormouse are found, G. g. glis and G. g. orientalis. The dormice were served by either roasting them and dipping them in honey or stuffing them with a mixture of pork, pine nuts, and other flavorings. [37][35] It was, however, very important to upper-class Romans that the dormice be separated from other products of the hunt, like the large game, for presentation purposes.[38]. [4], The breeding season is from late June to mid August, but both male and female dormice do not produce every year. They can be difficult to find, and require a trip off the beaten path, but are well worth the effort. But during special occasions, the Romans turned to their favorite delicacy: edible Dormouse. In humans and other animals, telomeres almost always shorten with age. Slovenians use several methods of trapping. High-Speed photograph of Edible Dormouse jumping (Glis Glis), Europe. [4][clarification needed], The edible dormouse is found throughout much of mainland western Europe. [26], Although the edible dormouse is the only living member of its genus, a number of fossil species are also known. [18] In years with low food availability edible dormice can hibernate longer than 11 months. Fig.1 Dormouse (lat. This Spanish pâté was so inspiring, someone wrote a poem about it. [15], Edible dormice also consume large numbers of beech tree seeds. [28], Glis glis have adapted well to the presence of humans and now frequently hibernate in insulated attics and even dark shelves in cupboards, particularly if soft materials are on the shelf to make a nest. Together, these narrow ecological preferences make it highly sensitive to habitat fragmentation ( Mortelliti et al. To this day, wild edible dormice are consumed in Slovenia, where they are considered a rare delicacy and where dormouse trapping is an ethnic tradition. [17] Many edible dormice mothers form communal nesting areas where they care for their young together.[4]. All rights reserved. Certificate of Authenticity. , 2008 ). The Romans used a special kind of enclosure, a glirarium, to raise and fatten dormice for the table. In parts of Slovenia and Croatia they are still eaten. It is also found on a number of Mediterranean islands, including Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, and Crete. [19], In the wild, most edible dormice hibernate for three winters, and then die in the fourth while hibernating, when their cheek teeth are worn out to a degree that prevents normal mastication of food. The edible dormouse, Glis glis, was eaten by upper class Romans – they baked and stuffed the dormice, or fried them and dipped them in honey and poppy seeds. Slovenia: An Overlooked European Gem The Republic of Slovenia is a small country that sits between Italy, Hungary, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea. Often overlooked as a tourist destination, Slovenia is a beautiful, mountainous country with impressive rivers, forests, and a stunning coastline. The decadent pastry almost outshines the Slovenian lake it's named for. The edible dormouse was thought to be a special food in ancient Rome. Forest to Table in Alpine Slovenia. With no trees left to burn, Icelanders turned to sheep dung for meat-smoking. The edible dormouse is very similar to squirrel, with a rich, greasy flavor and only a few mouthfuls of meat on each one. [7], It is also found in scattered populations throughout Thrace, located on the southeastern tip of the European Balkan peninsula. ‘To this day, wild edible dormice are consumed in Slovenia, where they are considered a rare delicacy and dormouse trapping an ethnic tradition.’ ‘Exposure of male edible dormice all year round to an unvarying photoperiod and warm temperature disrupted their biological cycles.’ Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. A single, large, seeding tree within the home range of a dormouse can produce enough resources to support the energy requirements of reproduction. [24], Gestation lasts from 20–31 days, and results in the birth of up to 11 young, although four or five are more typical. To learn more or withdraw consent, please visit our cookie policy. Today, the edible dormouse is still a traditional dish in Croatia, where it is known as puh, and Slovenia, where it is known as polh. Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park External facilities and Sihlwald. The Edible dormouse is nocturnal and gregarious in nature, often living in groups of up to 30. Atlas Obscura Trips. [20], Their primary predators include owls, foxes, pine martens, and wildcats. The fat or edible dormouse Glis glis (Linnaeus, 1766) is a squirrel-like nocturnal rodent native to the entire territory of Slovenia (1). Nevertheless, unlike many other wild and edible species their numbers continue to persist, which is why polhanje, as the activity is called in Slovenian, managed to continue into the present. [22] Females reach sexual maturity at 351–380 days old and males significantly lower their body mass during mating season. Front feet have four digits and their hind feet have five. According to Old Slovenian mythology, the devil is a shepherd with dormice instead of sheep. [5] It is rather more sparsely distributed through central Europe and the Balkans, but can be found as far north-east as the upper Volga River. Dormice have been hunted for centuries in Slovenia. The ancient Romans used to breed them to be eaten (usually as a snack).This is the reason for the word edible in its name. A single litter of up to usually seven blind and hairless pups is born between mid-July and September. Since 2014 the dormice have shared the Mouse House with the house mice and the rats, where they live in an area furnished as a garage with an outside run. [40] The people of Slovenia did not just catch the dormice for their meat:[39] use of dormice for food and fur and of dormouse fat as an ointment is documented there since the 13th century. [23] An abundance of energy-rich seeds allows newborn dormice to increase their body fat to prepare for their first hibernation. [8], A small, isolated population of Glis glis also exists in south-east England. is the edible dormouse not the hazel one, however, it's as pointless as hunting anywhere and demonstrates the arrogance of humans who still act as if the world is there for them to exploit. In Slovenia they are considered a rare delicacy and dormouse trapping is a tradition. The edible dormouse was considered to be a delicacy for the upper classes in many ancient cultures, including Gaul ... this particular species is still considered a traditional delicacy in some parts of Slovenia and Croatia. It normally weighs from 120 to 150 g (4.2 to 5.3 oz), but may almost double in weight immediately prior to hibernation. Females are able to produce additional young if amino acid-rich foods like inflorescences, unripe seeds, and (or) larval insects, which also increase their numbers by eating the same enriched plant food, are available. Females have from four to six pairs of teats. In particular, the Romans favored stuffed chicken, rabbit, or pigs for their everyday meals. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win a box of our favorite obscure snacks, from Mexican candies to Japanese bonito flakes. 1992-07-09 United Kingdom Photo size: 11.9" x 16" inches . Using dormice for food and fur is mentioned in documents which were written in the 13th century. [27] Although it is not known why, the number of teats on a female edible dormouse varies across regions of Europe. They begin to leave the nest after around 30 days, and are sexually mature by the time they complete their second hibernation. They rub their anal region on the ground and places they walk, so traces of the secretion will be left for other dormice,[4] especially during periods of sexual activity. Also known as the Edible Dormouse or Fat Dormouse, Glis glis are the largest species of dormouse.Not native to the UK, they were introduced by Lionel Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild, at his estate near Tring in 1902. If you want to experience something really traditional, we suggest you attend the dormouse hunt … There is a species of dormouse that was once, and in some places still is, a bit of a delicacy. Front and back of the image: Front of photograph Back of photograph. [4], The edible dormouse is capable of limited autotomy; if another animal grasps the tail, the skin breaks easily and slides off the underlying bone, allowing the dormouse to escape. [4], Population densities range from two to 22 individuals per hectare. Edible dormice are active during a six-month period and go into hibernation[13] from roughly October to May, depending on local climatic conditions. The trappers used many different types of bait to entice the dormice, ranging from pieces of fruit to bacon soaked in brandy. The dormouse uses sticky secretions of plantar glands when they are climbing on smooth surfaces to prevent them from falling. Free‑living dormice (, "Survival rates in a small hibernator, the edible dormouse: a comparison across Europe", "Long living and reproduction skipping in the fat dormouse", 10.1890/0012-9658(2003)084[1784:llarsi]2.0.co;2, "Telomeres are elongated in older individuals in a hibernating rodent, the edible dormouse", "Infamous glis glis is blamed for house blaze", "The Ghirarium: How Etruscans stored and ate dormice", "Dormouse hunting as part of Slovene national identity", "Dormouse Culture, Tradition & Myths: Dormouse Hunting in Slovenian Tradition", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edible_dormouse&oldid=986384553, Articles with dead external links from December 2016, Articles with permanently dead external links, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from May 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 31 October 2020, at 14:36. [14], Edible dormice are primarily herbivorous, feeding mainly on berries, apples, and nuts. They leave scent trails from scent glands on their feet, as well as glands at the top of their tails by the anus. "Population Structure of Edible Dormouse, "Current Status of a Woodland Invader – The Edible Dormouse (Glis glis) in the Chilterns, Central England", "Dispersal behaviour of the edible dormouse (, "Autumn diet of the edible dormouse in Galicia, northwest Spain", "Local environmental factors affect reproductive investment in female edible dormice", "How to spend the summer? They prefer dense forests with rocky cliffs and caves, but may be found in maquis vegetation, orchards, and urban margins. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Mothers and daughters may share a nest and nurse their young communally. The edible dormouse gets its name from the ancient Romans, who grilled and ate this small animal with gusto (and plenty of honey).Today, the edible dormouse is still a traditional dish in Croatia, where it is known as puh, and Slovenia, where it is known as polh.In both countries, edible dormouse is a traditional peasant dish and dormouse trapping is an important event. However, they are adaptable, and have also been reported to eat bark, leaves, flowers, invertebrates, and even eggs. The edible dormouse (Glis glis) was considered a delicacy in ancient Rome, either as a savoury appetizer or as a dessert (dipped in honey and poppy seeds). [29], Despite being regarded as a pest in the United Kingdom,[9] the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 prohibits certain methods of killing dormice. During mating season, males lower their body mass and use their body fat reserves to help fuel the energetic costs of reproduction. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best of Gastro Obscura in your inbox. [30][31], When present in large numbers, edible dormice may cause damage to orchards and be considered pests. During hibernation, metabolic rate and body temperature fall dramatically, and the animal may cease breathing altogether for periods up to an hour. Wild edible dormice are still consumed in Slovenia, as well as in Croatia. See. I shall talk about the edible dormouse (Myoxus glis), focusing my ethnological attention on the dormouse hunter and the dormouse hunting tradition in Slovenia. Though it lacks the bushy tail, its grey body is a similar size, and it lives a life in the trees eating nuts and fruit. [22] Therefore, edible dormice breed during the phase of high food availability. [4] They develop their fur by 16 days, and open their eyes after around 3 weeks. They also mention the use of dormouse fat as a medicine. They have frequently been reported from caves as deep as 400 m (1,300 ft), where they can shelter from predators. A notorious delicacy of the Roman Empire mentioned in Petronius’ Satyricon (served dipped in honey), the dormouse remains a traditional food in Slovenia—particularly in the southern regions of Dolenska, Bela Krajina, and Notranska. [16], Edible dormice are nocturnal, spending the day in nests taken from birds, or located in hollow trees or similar shelter. How Did Madagascar Become the World's Biggest Producer of Vanilla? Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). But it’s not all doom and gloom for these delectable rodents. Instances of house fire have been attributed to electrical fires caused by wires chewed by Glis glis. Edible Dormouse climbing a tree, Slovenia. In Slovenia, they can be baked with buckwheat, or cooked in a goulash or stew. Winner will be selected at random on 01/01/2021. It was eaten as an appetizer or as a dessert. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. They kept them in terracotta jars with wheat and honey and the little animals stuffed themselves to twice their normal size ready for roasting. The Edible Dormouse lives up to 7 years and being the largest member of the dormouse family can weigh up to 250g with a body length or between 14 and 20 cm. [4] Compared with similarly sized mammals, they have an unusually long lifespan, and have been reported to live up to 12 years in the wild. But did you know that the upper class ate edible dormice as a delicacy? When it was eaten as a dissert, it would be dipped in honey and poppy seeds. [13] They are not generally social animals, although small groups of closely related adults have occasionally been reported. [6] They prepare a den in soft soil or hidden in a cave, and rely on fat reserves to survive through the winter. This is because the Gliridae family of rodents is protected internationally under the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, to which the United Kingdom is a signatory. In the past, they were hunted for meat, fat, and skins. The soles of their feet are naked. The edible dormouse was farmed and eaten by the ancient Romans and the Etruscans (usually as a snack), hence the word edible in its name.The Romans would catch dormice from the wild in autumn when they were fattest. Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, "Carolus Linnaeus and the edible dormouse", "Abundance and Activity of the Edible Dormouse, "Population Dynamics of the Edible Dormouse (. [21] Variation in food resources strongly influences reproduction because reproduction is tightly linked to the availability of energy-rich seeds. The cooked South African sheep's head is named for its bared teeth. Today, the edible dormouse is still a traditional dish in Croatia, where it is known as puh, and Slovenia, where it is known as polh. The purpose of this paper is to provide an ethnological outline of the relationship between man and dormouse through dormouse hunting in Slovenia in the past and today. In this situation, they are generally regarded as a pest due to the fire risk from gnawed electrical cables and fouling from their faeces. Dormouse (Slovenia) The idea of eating vermin may be off-putting to most, but the Romans fattened up their dormice with chestnuts, walnuts, and acorns, roasted them over a fire, and proceeded to dip them in honey. Today, dormouse is still considered a delicacy throughout Slovenia, and in certain areas of Croatia. Call at least 48 hours in advance so that they have time to contact a dormouse supplier. [3] Its name comes from the Romans, who ate them as a delicacy. [4] Some dormice are found to have hair and ectoparasite remains in their stomachs, but this is mainly due to accidental ingestion during grooming. Northern Anatolia has a different subspecies, G. g pindicus. Offer subject to change without notice. [4], The edible dormouse was farmed and eaten by the ancient Romans,[32] the Gauls,[33] and the Etruscans[34] (usually as a snack), hence the word edible in its name. Communication is partly by sound, with the animals making various squeaks or snuffling sounds, and partly by scent. Instances of house fire have been attributed to electrical fires caused by wires chewed by Glis glis. The Romans would catch dormice from the wild in autumn when they were fattest. Seasonal dormice feasts were welcome protein supplements for the impoverished peasantry. Edible dormouse listed among Britain's great wildlife threats . It has a generally squirrel-like body, with small ears, short legs, and large feet. The genus Glis first originated in the middle Oligocene, although it did not become common until the Pliocene. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. The edible dormouse is also a gregarious animal with large patch requirements and high habitat fidelity (see Krystufek, 2010). For example, those in Italy have two to seven, while those in Lithuania have three to six. [4], Unlike most other dormice, they have no dark markings on the face, aside from faint rings around the eyes. In Croatia, particularly on the island of Hvar, they are grilled over an open flame and served on bread. The animals must then be humanely destroyed after capture. Dormouse/Edible A dormouse in a reserve owned by the Kent Trust. [13] Females inhabit only very small home ranges, of 0.15 to 0.76 ha (0.37 to 1.88 acres), but males occupy much larger ranges of 0.8 to 7 ha (2.0 to 17.3 acres), with several burrows. It can be baked with buckwheat, or cooked in a goulash or stew. That Slovenian delicacy was the edible dormouse (glis glis). The Romans had a special place to keep dormice which was called a glirarium. At the turn of the 20th century, the British banker and zoologist Lionel Walter Rothschild kept Glis glis in his private collection in the town of Tring in Hertfordshire; in 1902 some of the animals escaped and reproduced, establishing themselves in the wild as an invasive species. The exposed vertebrae then break off and the wound heals over, forming a fresh brush of hair. The location and age of a beech tree helps dictate where a population of dormice live, since older trees produce more seeds. Glis glis have adapted well to the presence of humans and now frequently hibernate in insulated attics and even dark shelves in cupboards, particularly if soft materials are on the shelf to make a nest. [35] The dormice were kept and raised either in large pits or (in less spacious urban surroundings) in terra cotta containers, the gliraria,[36] something like contemporary hamster cages. They fed these captive dormice walnuts, chestnuts, and acorns for fattening. A popular food in Roman times, edible dormouse is no longer consumed in modern Europe, except for Croatia and Slovenia. Although of rare occurrence in many regions of central Europe, Edible Dormouse . [4] Germany has a small population of edible dormice within its borders, ranging from two to six individuals per hectare. How a Blacksmith in Jordan Created His Own Sign Language, In Naples, Praying With Skulls Is an Ancient Tradition, Inside a Domed Pyramid With Astounding Acoustics and a History of Miracles, See the Mysterious Horned Helmet of Henry VIII, Searching for Home and Connection Through Typewritten Poetry, Bob Ramsak, Piran Café/Used With Permission, hrcak.srce.hr/index.php?show=clanak&id_clanak_jezik=89983, secretcroatia.blog/2012/02/05/eating-dormice-on-hvar-island/, sarahemilybond.com/2017/06/06/pass-the-dormice-breeding-selling-and-eating-honeyed-dormice-in-antiquity/, borutpeterlin.wordpress.com/2007/11/01/hunting-and-eating-dormouse-2/, www.atlasobscura.com/articles/dormouse-jars-glirarium-rome. The Romans loved to eat them too. Opening hours. “Do people in Slovenia still commonly eat dormouse?” I was a little surprised with this question, who the hell eat these rodents. The village of Dol on Hvar island hosts a dormouse festival, Puhijada, every summer. The edible dormouse in Langenberg. One of the main threats to Edible dormice is hunting. It still seems like a silly festival, but from the little in the article, doesn't appear to threaten the species in Slovenia as a whole. No purchase necessary. Be the first to share a photo of this item with our community. The dark confined space of the pot prevented the dormouse from doing to much excercise and made it think it was hibernating so it would fatten up. By the 17th century, the peasant trappers had invented the first self-triggering traps, usually made of different kinds of wood. Reach sexual maturity at 351–380 days old and males significantly lower their body mass and use their mass. Animals stuffed themselves to twice their normal size ready for roasting most stories. In certain areas of Croatia temperature fall dramatically, and spend most their! Its borders, ranging from two to seven, while those in Italy have two to 22 individuals per.! 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