Hazel dormice have disappeared from ½ their former range in the last 100 years due to habitat destruction and fragmentation. Natural England has produced a Species Action Plan that describes the problems facing the dormouse and actions for its conservation. These actions include:
- Research on the habitat requirements and biology of the dormouse.
- Correct management of sites where dormice are found.
- Captive breeding and reintroduction of dormice to counties where they have become extinct.
Paignton Zoo became involved with this project in 2000 and works with a range of institutions involved with breeding dormice. Each year dormice are bred at Paignton Zoo for release at designated sites. Before release each dormouse is given a thorough health check by our zoo vet. Since 2000, 118 dormice have been released from Paignton Zoo and monitoring shows that they have bred successfully in the wild.
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