Basic Overview of the Hazel Dormouse The scientific name of the hazel dormouse is Muscardinus avellanarius, belonging to the order Rodentia, family Gliridae, and genus Muscardinus. It is distributed in Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Far East. The hazel dormouse is a critically endangered animal under key protection in the UK. They have a coat of golden-brown fur, large brown eyes, and a furry tail, making them extremely adorable.