Dormice

Evolution

Dormice likely originated in Europe, with the earliest dormouse genus Eogliravus being known from the Early Eocene (around 48-41 million years ago) of France. Dormice were not speciose during the Eocene, but considerably diversified during the following Oligocene (34-23 million years ago). Their ability to hibernate may have emerged during this period. They reached an apex of diversity during the late Early Miocene (around 17 million years ago) when there were 18 genera and 36 species of dormice in Europe alone during this period. During this time span, dormice represented the dominant group of rodents in Europe.