Abstract
Based on records of the Japanese dormouse Glirulus japonicus, a threatened arboreal rodent, we discuss the distribution, ecology, and conservation of the species on Kyushu Island. In total, 54 locations of the Japanese dormouse were derived from 62 records, and eight major local populations were recognized. The dormouse is distributed in warm temperate forests at low elevation, as well as in cool temperate forests at high elevation in Kyushu. The litter size is 3–5 and the reproductive period is at least from autumn to winter. The hibernation period is from late November to late April. Four local populations including the Hiko Mountains, Mt. Kuju, Mt. Tara, and the Kimotsuki Mountains were considered to be threatened because of their geographical and genetic isolation. These populations require special attention in conservation. Cooperative conservation actions should be planned among the neighboring prefectures that share threatened local populations.
