To ensure constant food supply edible dormice rather give up their favorite food

(University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna) Edible dormice feed preferably on high-energy seeds for reproduction and putting on fat reserves. Beech trees, however, save energy by producing seeds only in certain years on a large scale. A long-term study by researchers from Vetmeduni Vienna has shown for the first time that edible dormice avoid areas with a high beech density. They prefer areas with a mix of conifers and beech trees and thus a balanced food supply.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news