Populations of the forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula Pallas, 1778) are widespread across Europe and south-western Asia, but their ability to survive in a mosaic of forest stands is insufficient, and they are extremely scarce in Russia. In 2013–2019, we studied the taxonomic and ecological composition of forest stands in the Middle Volga. Forest dormice were recorded in 30% of the investigated forest stands, being 4–70 ha in size. Habitats of the forest dormouse were characterized by higher species richness of woody plants, by presence of woody plant species with juicy fruits, dry fruits and seeds, and by dominance of shrubs (52.1% of all plant species). Out of 98 species of gymnosperms and angiosperms, species belonging to families Rosaceae and Salicaceae dominated. Out of the 98 registered plants, 43 species formed juicy and 55 species formed dry fruits and seeds, including Quercus robur L., Corylus avellana L., Tilia cordata Mill. Alien plant species (26.4%) had no impact on the habitat attractivity. Favorable conditions for existence the forest dormouse in the Middle Volga are secured by high diversity of woody plants in the forest stands, providing these animals with plant-based food. Usage of only optimal habitats resulted in patchy distribution of the species.

森林睡鼠（Dryomys nitedula）的种群Pallas，1778年）在欧洲和西南亚广泛分布，但它们在林分立的镶嵌林中生存的能力不足，在俄罗斯极为稀缺。在2013–2019年，我们研究了伏尔加河中部林分的分类学和生态学组成。在被调查的30％林分中记录有森林休眠，面积为4–70公顷。森林睡鼠的栖息地的特征是木本植物的物种丰富度较高，木本植物具有多汁的水果，干果和种子，并且灌木占主导地位（占所有植物的52.1％）。在裸子植物和被子植物的98种物种中，蔷薇科和水杨科的物种占主导地位。在98种注册植物中，有43种形成了多汁，55种形成了干果和种子，其中包括栎（Quercus robur L.），榛子（Corylus avellana L.），T树（Tilia cordata Mill）。外来植物物种（占26.4％）对栖息地的吸引力没有影响。森林中的木本植物种类繁多，为伏尔加河中部的森林睡鼠提供了有利的生存条件，为这些动物提供了植物性食物。仅使用最佳栖息地会导致该物种的分布不均。