June 26, 2018, University of Exeter
Managing woodlands to a greater
extent could help stop the decline of Britain's dormice, new research suggests.
Dormouse numbers are falling in
Britain—down by 72% in just over 20 years—and the scientists say this could
reflect changes in climate and the composition and structure of woodland
habitats.
The findings, from two new
studies led by the University of Exeter, show dormice favour woodland with
varied heights and areas of regrowth, including species such as hazel and yew
that provide the flowers, fruits and nuts they enjoy.
The researchers call for a return
to active woodland management, which can include coppicing, glade creation and
small-scale tree felling, to create a "mosaic" of trees of different
ages and sizes, especially areas of new growth and medium-height trees.
Dormouse numbers are higher in
woodlands with more varied tree heights and scrubby areas, and they prefer to
use areas of woodland edge, and dense trees and shrubs, when they move around
at night.
"Habitats that we found to
be good for dormice have been in decline," said lead author Dr. Cecily
Goodwin, of the Environment and Sustainability Institute on the University of
Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
"Dormouse conservation would
benefit from more broadleaf woodland in the landscape and more diverse woodland
structure—ranging from new growth and scrub to mid-height woodland to old
trees.
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