Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have discovered a new habitat for the strictly protected dormouse. Accordingly, it can also be found in reeds – and not just in woody structures, as the university announced on Wednesday. This could have consequences for protection efforts: For example, construction work has so far only checked whether dormouse occur in forest habitats and hedges.
“The evidence that it uses reeds is therefore of great importance for nature conservation and the adaptation of protective measures,” the researchers from Bayreuth now conclude.
After they had already discovered initial evidence of reeds as a habitat for dormouse in previous studies, they deepened their work: eight dormouse were caught in the Regnitztal near Bamberg and equipped with radio transmitters. They were then released back into their natural habitat – and the team found that the animals used approximately equal amounts of wood and reeds. The nocturnal animals also used the reeds to sleep during the day.
The scientists also found a nest in the reeds. The reasons for using reeds are protection against predators – and dormouse could move into the reeds if the competition for food and nesting places in the woods becomes too great.
The dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) belongs to the family of dormouse, just like dormouse or garden dormouse. It grows to about seven centimeters tall. It is on the Red List of Threatened Species in Germany. The Nature Conservation Association (NABU) says that the population numbers of the hazel dormouse have been steadily declining.