Dryomys nitedula (Pallas, 1779)

6. Eurasian Forest Dormouse, Dryomys nitedula (Pallas, 1779) View in CoL

( Fig. 9 View FIGURE 9 )

(IUCN Red List: LC)

Subspecies: D. n. phrygius Thomas, 1907.

Distribution: Common in the coastal region, Orontes Basin, and Barada River Basin ( Fig. 10 View FIGURE 10 ).

Previous records: Qastal Maaf and Slenfeh ( Lehmann 1965);Ashrafiyat Al Wadi,Al-Ghota 35 km east of Damascus, Marmarita, Latakia, and Mesieaf ( Shehab et al. 2003).

Recent records: Wadi Qandil, Bahlouliyah, Slenfe, Al-Kadmous (2008), Al-Haffah, Al-Qteilbiyeh, Sreijes, Al-Qumsiyeh, Beshraghi, B’eit, ash-Sheikh Badr, Jaiboul,Al-Kreem, Safita, Bloudan, Serghaya,Al-Hama,Al-Isawiyah, Jwar Al-Afas, and Mashqita (2020–2023).

Remarks: This species was reported from Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Turkey ( Harrison & Bates 1991; Abi-Said & Kryštufek 2012; Al-Sheikhly et al. 2015). It is a forest-inhabiting rodent species associated with evergreen oak ( Quercus calliprinos ) and Pistacia trees. It nests in hollow branches or stems of oak and old walnut trees ( Shehab et al. 2003).