Ten dormice are being introduced into a secret woodland location in Bedfordshire to boost numbers.
Dormice have been released at a secret woodland location in a bid to boost Bedfordshire's only population of the mammals.
Once widespread, the animals have disappeared from 20 English counties in the past century, but the Bedfordshire population, which dates from 2001, is said to be "thriving". The 10 dormice released earlier this week were provided by the Common Dormouse Captive Breeders Group, which includes Wildwood Trust.Dormice in a torpor - a sort of temporary hibernation that lasts a few hours and helps animals survive when temperatures are cold or food is shortat Paignton Zoo and the Zoological Society of London's Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance team.
They were taken to their new woodland home and left to acclimatise to their new surroundings from the safety of their nest boxes, which were placed within larger mesh cages filled with foliage, buds, berries, nuts and water.In time they will start to breed and disperse into new woodland and hedge areas, and the mesh cages will be removed.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Meet the fluffy baby camel born at Whipsnade Zoo in BedfordshireCamel keeper George Spooner, said: “Despite their reputation for being grumpy, camels are actually very patient, nurturing parents.'
Read more »
Bedfordshire Police seek woman missing for 53 yearsPolice say there have been no confirmed sightings of Tina Whittamore since 1971.
Read more »
Hazel dormice reintroduced to Bedfordshire woodland to boost species resilienceThe new dormice are being released to boost the genetic diversity of Bedfordshire’s only existing population.
Read more »
Hazel dormice reintroduced to Bedfordshire woodland to boost species resilienceThe new dormice are being released to boost the genetic diversity of Bedfordshire’s only existing population.
Read more »
Man Utd fans furious as new name becomes 'strong contender' to replace Erik ten HagManchester United fans are furious at the prospect of one alleged candidate taking over from Erik ten Hag as manager.
Read more »
Former Man Utd ace Robin van Persie lands new job after Erik ten Hag decisionThe latest Man United news as the former striker has been coaching with the Feyenoord's youth team and visited Carrington earlier in the year as part of his UEFA Pro licence.
Read more »