I think I may have identified the "rats" we all see in the trees of Paxos. I took some pictures of one drinking sea-water at Marmari Beach in May and can see that they are NOT sewer rats or even a typical rat. They are, I believe a sub-branch of the MOUSE-TAILED DORMOUSE or LOIR or European dormouse (myomimus). The term tree hamster was thought by me to be a euphanism to appease tourists but I think it is near to the truth.
Cuddly dormice or tree-climbing sewer rat, name your preference.
Message posted by DCV on 13 August 2011 at 2:25pm - IP Logged
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The tail was not as bushy but it may have been wet. Your's looks more sqirrel-like but the head and body fit the dormouse not the brown, black or Norwegian rat.
Message posted by Corfukate on 13 August 2011 at 9:32pm - IP Logged
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Your avatar picture is definitely not a rat! I have a rat or three in my Ontario garden, they live under the deck and eat flowers! I also have chipmunks, so can tell the difference.
I actually think your 'dormouse' is very cute!
Message posted by Lavinia on 13 August 2011 at 10:00pm - IP Logged
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That is a "fat dormouse". We have them in the oak trees in our garden and I love to hear them chattering away, although I think they can cause immense damage if they get into your roof. My one-eyed cat caught one two years ago and killed it so I had a close up view! I have been trying to find out for ages where they go in winter? Do they hibernate and if so, where do they sleep, because it is certainly not in the trees in which they live in summer?
Message posted by Robbos on 13 August 2011 at 10:09pm - IP Logged
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Glis glis is the Latin name for the edible (sorry) dormouse which the Romans brought to Britain as a winter food source. It is where glycerides etc (fats) comes from.
Message posted by Robbos on 15 August 2011 at 2:03pm - IP Logged
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