In 2013 Association BIOM and Public institution „Maksimir“ started a distribution survey of arboreal mammals at park Maksimir. The main goal of survey is to increase the knowledge of arboreal mammals ecology and their natural history at park Maksimir.
There are three species of arboreal mammals in park: edible dormouse (Glis glis), hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) and red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris).
Dormice and squirrels are families of rodent order. Unlike the other mammalian species present in Croatia, they are arboreal – spending the majority of their lives in trees. Consequence of this kind of lifestyle is greater sensitivity to all kind of changes in woodlands compared to ground living mammals. Lack of canopy connectivity, lack of old trees and tree holes are the biggest barriers of healthy population of arboreal mammals in natural habitats and parks.
This project includes detailed distribution survey and educational program activities. Workshops and presentations for kids and adults and four feeders for squirrels and dormice in the park are some of educational activities that allow us to observe species during whole day and night and to inform citizens and park visitors about its biodiversity and beauties.
