The
dormouse is a
rodent of the
family Gliridae (this family is also variously called
Myoxidae or
Muscardinidae by different taxonomists). Dormice are mostly found in
Europe, although some live in
Africa and
Asia. They are particularly known for their long periods of
hibernation. Because only one species of dormouse is native to the
British Isles, in everyday English usage, "dormouse" can refer either to that one species (the
hazel dormouse) or to the family as a whole.