Endangered dormice released in the wild

Conservationists have released more than twenty rare hazel dormice into a secret woodland location in Leicestershire. This is part of a project to save this species from the brink of extinction.

This relocation effort is set to follow the successful path of a similar reintroduction of this species, which took place in the National Forest in neighboring Derbyshire. Conservationists’ hopes for these two groups is that they will hopefully become part of a wider population that spans the area.

the number of hazel dormice has fallen around 70% nationally over the past 25 years. According to a recent report, the species seems to be extinct from around 20 English countries. like climate change, predators, but mostly habitat loss. Additionally, the manner in which the woods and hedgerows have been maintained has also impacted dormice survival rates. These tiny mice need dense, varied woodlands to hide and survive.

This week, the dormice were reintroduced to a secret location within the Bradgate Park Trust estate in Leicestershire by a team of experts, including the wildlife charity “People’s Trust for Endangered Species,” or PTES. Before the mice were released, they were first housed in open enclosures for more than a week so they could adapt to their new environment before being set free.

Ian White from PTES said that the reintroduction could be an important step in starting a new population of dormice. He also explained: “It’s a big day for the county, as dormice haven’t been seen here for a very long time.” He also noted, “We’re hopeful that by autumn, the dormice will have settled into the woodland. If we start to see litters later this year, it shall mark the beginning of their return.”

References: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/c5yxn5kgel0o, https://www.greenlightco.co.uk/2021/11/why-dormice-endangered