Endangered Hazel Dormice Run Free in Leicestershire
More than twenty rare hazel dormice have been carefully released into a secret woodland area in Leicestershire as part of a big project to save the tiny animals from going extinct. This release is part of a national effort across the UK to help bring the endangered species back to places they once lived. A similar reintroduction of dormice already took place in nearby neighbouring country Derbyshire, The hope is that these two groups of dormice will one day form part of a wider population spanning the whole area. If that happens, it could create a strong, giant population of hazel dormice across the whole area.
Hazel dormice used to be a common sight in many parts of Britain, but things have changed a lot. Over the past 25 years, their numbers have fallen by about 70%, which is a really big drop. Sadly, they are now believed to be extinct in at least 20 counties in England. One of the biggest reasons for this is habitat loss—meaning they no longer have enough safe places like forests and hedgerows to live in. So basically, the way these natural areas are looked after now is not helpful for the dormice, who need thick, mixed woodlands to find food, shelter, and places to nest.
The recent release happened inside a secret location at the Bradgate Park Trust estate. The dormice were reintroduced by a group of experts, including members from the wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). To help the dormice get used to their new surroundings, they’ll first live in special open enclosures for more than a week. After that, they’ll be fully released into the wild where they can explore and start a new life.
Ian White, a dormouse expert from PTES, shared his excitement about the release. He said: “We’re hopeful that by autumn, the dormice will have settled into the woodland. If we start to see litters later this year, it will mark the beginning of their return.” If the team starts to see and beginning their comeback.
Good draft 🙂 Use more direct evidence