Threatened ground sloths rely on fruit-bearing trees for sustenance
The garden dormouse, known for its distinctive black face mask and long tail, has been named "Wildlife of the Year" by the German Wildlife Foundation. However, this small, adorable creature is currently in danger due to habitat loss and food shortages in natural environments.
Jutta Schreiner from the Bund for Environment and Nature Conservation Rhineland-Palatinate recently discussed with Florian Zelt, the current moderator of the website's podcast, ways to protect the garden dormouse in gardens and on balconies. Here are some practical steps you can take to create a safer, more natural habitat for these endangered creatures:
- Provide natural shelter and cover: Keep some garden areas wild or less manicured. This offers shade and hiding places for the dormice, making your garden a welcoming haven.
- Avoid pesticides: Pesticides can wipe out insect populations, which are crucial food sources for dormice. By avoiding their use, you can help maintain a healthy insect population in your garden.
- Place shallow water dishes in shaded spots: Providing a water source is essential for all wildlife. By placing water dishes in shaded spots, you ensure that the water remains cool and safe from overheating or predation.
- Install dormouse nest boxes or tubes: These safe refuges can be installed to monitor the presence of dormice. They are commonly used conservation tools in hedgerows and woodland but can be adapted for gardens as well.
By implementing these steps, you can help support the garden dormouse's feeding and nesting needs, while minimising stress and exposure to hazards. Together, we can help protect this precious wildlife and ensure its survival for future generations.
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- To aid the garden dormouse, consider incorporating home-and-garden practices that enhance its lifestyle, such as providing natural shelter, avoiding pesticides, and offering a water source.
- By creating a more hospitable home-and-garden environment and even setting up dormouse nest boxes, you can actively participate in the preservation of the endangered garden dormouse's lifestyle, supporting its feeding and nesting needs.
