BIOGEOGFIAPHIA - vol. XIII - 1987 Biogeografia de/I5 Alpi Sud-Onentali The Forest dormouse (Dryomys mfecluloz Pallas, 1779) in the Eastern Alps (Rodentia Gliridae) PAOLO PAOLUCCI(*) — ANDREA BATTISTI(q‘) — RENZO DE BATTISTI(qq“) (q‘)Isz‘z'1fut0 dz' Entomologzkz agrarzkz, Univerrzhi dz’ Padova, via Gmdenigo 6, 35131 Padowz (**) Corpo Forertale dello Stato, Coordzhamento Regiomzle 512' Pczdomz. SUMMARY In this study we present the findings achieved during faunistic researches in the Forest of Tarvisio and elsewhere, that concern the presence of Dryomyr Izitedula in the Eastern Alps. The main morphological and biometrical data regarding the specimens observed, are exposed in comparison with those already known from other European populations. As far as the reproductive cycle is concerned, it seems that there is only one litter annually with an average size of 3-4. In the examined biotopes, the species is found in different kinds of environments (at the edges of forests of beech and Norway spruce with rich undergrowth; in old coppices of beech with the presence of man-made stands of conifers). These habitats are characterized by abundant moisture and often by the presence of fresh flowing water. Observations on animals in captivity, confirmed what was known until now in other European re- gions about the feeding preferences shown by the Forest dormouse. Finally, the biogeographical problems relative to the colonization of the Italian territory are discussed. The fossil findings of Dryamys nitedula, attributed to the central period of the Wiirmian glaciation, permit to affirm that Dryomys nitedzzla existed in the Alpine regions before the period pointed out by other authors. INTRODUCTION In the context of the faunistic researches carried out in the years 1981-84 in the Forest of Tarvisio (UD), 21 species of small mammals were recorded, of which 7 insectivores and 14 rodents (Tab. I). Among others, special in- terest is aroused by some specimens of Neomyr zmomalus Cabrera, a com- pletely albinotic adult female of Microtus zzivalis (Martins) and a series of individuals belonging to the species Dryomys nitedztla (Pallas) (Fig. 1). Herewithin we expose the results of the observations carried out on this interesting species of Gliridae in the Forest of Tarvisio and in other localities of the Eastern Alps. OBSERVATIONS Dz'5trz'butz'o71 Among the European Gliridae, the Forest dormouse is the species with the most eastern distribution (Corbet, 1980) (Fig. 2). In fact, it is present 855