New data suggests that Britain’s hazel dormice may be on the mend after decades of decline, according to recent figures released by researchers. The study, which analysed population trends over the past 30 years, found that warmer summer temperatures are improving survival rates for the small, nocturnal rodent.
Hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) are a protected species in the UK, known for their distinctive orange tail and reliance on hedgerows and woodland edges for food and shelter. Historically, their numbers have fallen sharply due to habitat loss, fragmentation and climate change.
The research team examined long‑term monitoring data from across England and Wales, noting a statistically significant uptick in juvenile recruitment during the hottest summer months. The warmer conditions appear to reduce the risk of winter mortality, a key factor in the species’ recent recovery.
Conservationists welcome the findings, arguing that they underscore the importance of maintaining and restoring hedgerow networks. “While the data is encouraging, we must continue to protect and enhance habitats to ensure the dormice can thrive in a changing climate,” said one spokesperson for a UK wildlife charity.
Further studies are planned to investigate how other environmental variables, such as food availability and predator pressures, interact with temperature to influence dormouse populations. The hope is that a clearer picture will guide targeted conservation actions across the country.
<small>Source: BBC Science — read the original story there.</small>
