Supercute endangered species

Conservationists have successfully reintroduced over twenty rare “hazel dormice” into a secret woodland location in Leicestershire as part of a national initiative aimed at helping this endangered species recover from the brink of extinction. This release follows a previous successful reintroduction of mammals into the National Forest in neighboring Derbyshire. The hope is that these two groups of dormice will eventually contribute to a larger population that spans the entire area, making a more sustainable future for the species.

Experts indicate that hazel dormice populations have dropped by approximately 70% nationally over the past 25 years. Once very common across Britain, these tiny mammals have faced significant declines primarily due to habitat loss, particularly in woodlands and hedgerows. Changes in these habitats have further hindered their chances of survival, as dormice rely on dense and varied woodlands for shelter. A recent report has highlighted that dormice are now believed to be extinct in 20 counties in England. In the goal to reverse this trend, a team of experts, including those from the wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), reintroduced dormice to a secret location within the Bradgate Park Trust estate in Leicestershire this week. To facilitate their adaptation to the new environment, the dormice will be housed in open enclosures for more than a week before being fully released into the wild.

Ian White from PTES stated that the reintroduction could be a crucial step in establishing a new population of dormice. He said: “It’s a big day for the county, as dormice haven’t been seen here for a very long time. 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.”

In conclusion, the reintroduction of hazel dormice in Leicestershire is a positive step for the species. This aims to boost local populations. With proper support, there is hope for the dormice to thrive, contributing to the recovery of their species in Britain.

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