Devon zoo is striving to protect rare species

Paignton Zoo is working with the People’s Trust for Endangered Species charity to conserve hazel dormice

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A SMALL but significant conservation effort is taking shape in Devon, where nine golden-furred hazel dormice have arrived at Paignton Zoo as part of an ambitious ongoing conservation programme to reverse the alarming decline of one of Britain’s most endangered native mammals.

The hazel dormice - instantly recognisable by their fluffy tails and bright black eyes - will spend eight weeks in quarantine and will undergo key health checks before being released into a secret woodland location as part of the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) annual reintroduction programme. Their arrival at the zoo is an important part of the programme as it ensures that only healthy dormice are released into the wild.

Dr Andy Bowkett, the charity’s conservation projects and partnerships manager, commented: "These tiny creatures might not seem important, but they are a critical indicator species for our woodland ecosystems. When dormice thrive, it tells us the entire habitat is healthy with an abundance of plants and insects."