Shifting ranges: climate influence on the forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) distribution in Poland

The northern limit of the geographic range of the forest dormouse runs through Poland. The distribution of the forest dormouse in Poland is unclear. The presence of the species has been confirmed in 128 localities in Poland. In the literature the forest dormouse is most frequently reported from forest complexes in north–east Poland, especially from the Białowieża Primeval Forest. In other areas, the distribution of the species is mostly patchy. In some areas, e.g. in the Sudetes or in the Bieszczady Mountains, its occurrence is uncertain. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of the forest dormouse population in Poland and to assess potential links between distributional changes and climate change. The analysis of climate models shows that an important factor influencing the occurrence of the species in Poland is climate change from continental to Atlantic climate. The historical disappearance of forest dormouse populations can be linked to both deforestation and climate change.