volumevolume 1 1 2014 2014 thedormouse monitor the newsletter of the national dormouse monitoring programme
people’s trust for endangered species |
INSIDE
Using science to steer practical conservation A closer look at how our dormice fared in 2013 How we can better manage woodlands for dormice volume 1 2014 Welcome Contents Using science to steer practical conservation 3
How can we better manage a variety of woodlands for dormice 4
A closer look at how our dormice fared in 2013 6
Is the national population of dormice still declining? 10
Volunteering for the weekend at Briddlesford Woods, Isle of Wight 12 We had a very damp wet winter but it was also very Boxing clever: home improvements of old birds’ nests 14 mild, so it will be interesting to see how well our dormice An ever-changing climate: potential infl uences on torpor in hazel dormice 16 survived hibernation. However, now we are in the Learning more about our woodlands 18 midst of spring as the blues paint our woods a glorious Danish dormouse conference, September 19 hue, and we can start to think of a new dormouse Training courses & other news 20 season. Much has happened over the last year. There was the Dormouse Monitoring conference in November which covered various topics, including how to set up local and county dormice groups and how to undertake and promote suitable woodland management for dormice. Many counties and regions now have dormouse groups including Devon, Kent, Southend, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire, Lincolnshire and the North West Dormouse Partnership. People's Trust for Endangered Species If you would like help or 15 Cloisters House advice in setting up yours 8 Battersea Park Road London please don’t hesitate to get SW8 4BG in touch. Ian has also been busy www.ptes.org developing the training Tel: 020 7498 4533 resources on the PTES [email protected] website - please check out Registered charity number 274206 the short training videos on various aspects of the NDMP, The National Dormouse Monitoring Programme is funded by PTES and Natural England. including box checking, The Dormouse Monitor is compiled by Nida Al-Fulaij & Susan Sharafi . Cover image kindly provided by Jamie Edmonds. Printed by 4-print on environmentally friendly paper. handling and sexing. The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the People’s Trust for In the meantime - happy Endangered Species. dormousing - we look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes
Nida Al-Fulaij & Susan Sharafi
2 the dormouse monitor
2 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2014 Using science to steer practical conservation
The very fact that I’m writing useful scientifi c research by author and title, on our found over 1,000 dormice this for a publication entitled into the species, in particular current website. in torpor during that time, The Dormouse Monitor shows how dormice interact with Rimvydas had a huge body of just how much enthusiasm their environment, which Eff ects of weather and data to analyse. Interestingly and passion there is for would be very useful for season... he discovered that torpor these species. Not only those of us involved in land ...was the title of research was more common in males do we have a dedicated management. We decided carried out by Paul Bright (75%) than in females (45%), monitoring programme we needed to make that in the 1990s. He studied with the lowest number of for hazel dormice here in information accessible a population of dormice any dormice being found in the UK and a bi-annual to everyone, not just the in Somerset over the torpor during the months of publication, but enthusiasm scientifi c community. So we summer months to see if August and September. across the world means commissioned Rowenna their activity patterns are that this year the ninth (!) Baker, a passionate ecology strongly infl uenced by Each review has a short international dormouse student, to make a precis summer weather conditions. background to the study, conference will be held in of 100 scientifi c dormouse Interestingly higher ambient a clear description of the Denmark, in September. papers that relate specifi cally temperatures during methodology used and There has been a huge to practical conservation May-June and September- succinct key results. There is body of research carried for the species here in the November did increase the then a list of key messages out over several decades on UK. The aim to is to put amount of time that dormice for landowners or managers all the dormouse species. these short documents in were active for. But the same to take away from the And there are at least three a searchable format on the was not true during July and work which will help them very comprehensive and PTES website so that when August. As we might suspect, to implement practical interesting books about you would like to look up rainfall impacted on the measures on the ground. dormice by Pat Morris, Sven what research, say, has amount of time the animals We really hope that you fi nd Bucnher and Rimvydas been carried out on how spend foraging too. these documents useful and Juškaitis. dormice use hedgerows, informative. Here at PTES, we also then you can easily access Variation in daily torpor in realised that there has it. The PTES websitwebsite is dormice... Nida Al-Fulaij been much being redesigned but ...was studied by Rimvydas [email protected] in the meantime you Juškaitis in Lithuania over the www.ptes.org/ can access the ppapers, course of eight years. Having dormousepublications CLARE PENGELLY CLARE
Susan Sharafi
the dormouse monitor 3 volume 1 2014 How can we better manage a variety of wood
The management of forests rich woodland. This was in Penryn, Cornwall to debate at the moment. It is and woodland in England informed in a large part begin to look into this unclear how common they and Wales is performed by work pioneered by Pat question. This work will are in more heavily managed for a variety of reasons, Morris and Paul Bright in focus on the responses of woodlands and forests, with from commercial forestry the nineties. It is important, dormouse individuals and the numbers of records through to conservation however, to recognise that populations to woodland of dormice in intensively and recreation. Woodland this habitat is not frozen and forestry practices. The managed conifer plantations management practices in time, but is instead a research is being carried seemingly on the rise. More can range from large- continuously changing out in conjunction with research is needed, however, scale clearfelling of trees environment requiring the Forestry Commission into whether there are and commercial thinning, repeated maintenance, for to translate it into enough dormice in these down to coppicing and the example to prevent the further guidance on the habitats to form stable creation of woodland glades. canopy from closing and management of woods, and populations, and how much A key question in hazel shading out the understory. the mitigation of the impact these might contribute to dormouse conservation is In order to achieve this, these of forestry operations on national abundance. how and to what extent the woodland and forest areas dormice. As the hazel dormouse is a management of woodland must be actively managed. Beyond coppice woodland European Protected Species habitat aff ects dormouse The eff ects of the frequency, and other habitats they are safeguarded by populations. The key habitat distribution and timing of traditionally seen as being legislation making it an features that dormice diff erent types of woodland benefi cial for dormice, off ense to harm or disturb prefer are reasonably well management on the the number of woodland them from their resting and understood. These are long-term fate of dormice or forest types in which breeding places. Therefore generally recognised to populations are poorly dormice can be found it is important to investigate be: a diverse understory; understood. is uncertain. Moreover, the short-term eff ects of a relatively open but I have recently begun a many previously held timber removal, so that well-connected canopy; PhD at the University of assumptions about the the impact of operations coppice coupes; and early Exeter’s Environment and habitat preferences of on individual dormice is CLARE PENGELLY CLARE successional species- Sustainability Institute dormice seem to be up for reduced and consideration
4 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2014 odlands for dormice?
is taken over the health of the remaining population. Questions can be asked over the precise planning of operations, such as: CLARE PENGELLY CLARE Is there enough refuge habitat provided? Does an adequate amount of breeding and feeding resources remain? And has connectivity been retained on site? This is especially true of larger-scale, more commercial operations. There are questions over the eff ects of operations on the displacement of dormice, and the consequences of this displacement on breeding and survival rates. There are ways in which protecting individual dormice can have population level conservation benefi ts, such as in preventing the One of the aims of the a rare opportunity to gain some of these questions complete removal of suitable study, therefore, is to insight into the dynamics of around management of habitat. On the other hand approach this issue from population change. sites for and with dormice, it presents an interesting both sides in assessing Before looking at how and be able to provide paradox, in that the the immediate eff ects of forest management might more eff ective guidance individual-level protection forestry operations on the be aff ecting dormice, it is for woodland owners and for dormice could constrain fate of individual dormice, important to fi rst assess the forestry managers who wish or even prevent habitat and the long-term eff ects changes that have occurred to improve the dormouse management that would of management plans and in the national population. conservation value of their benefi t populations in the procedures on populations. As well as being able to site. long-term. Most studies of hazel assess the driving forces As may ring true with dormice have focused on behind these changes across Cecily Goodwin many dormouse monitors, a the ecology and behaviour a nationwide network of University of Exeter large number of woodlands of individuals, with some sites, it enables any evidence in the UK are already also focusing on habitat to be put into the context I am currently looking undermanaged. There is a associations. Few have of the current state of the for any organisations or danger that legislation will looked at population-level population. In light of this, wildlife trusts that own further deter people from responses to habitat change I have been looking at the or have access to sites managing their woodlands over time. This is in part due trends in dormouse numbers with dormice and have and lead to declining habitat to the diffi culty of examining at NDMP sites over the last detailed knowledge of the quality for dormice. Not long-term responses of 20 years. site management plans, to mention the diffi culties populations over wide areas. It is possible to look at the including plans for active in planning commercial In addressing the impact relative importance of many management over the forestry operations. Even in of management on factors that might be causing next year. I am also looking conservation woodlands, populations, I will be using dormouse populations to for sites with historical many species are dependent data from the National decline, to identify key areas management records and on practices that have Dormouse Monitoring where conservation actions dormice records spanning been carried out in British Programme (NDMP). This is a would be most benefi cial. the same period. If you woodland for hundreds of fantastic opportunity to look I will be looking into the think you might be able to years and the dormouse is at population trends over eff ect of weather patterns, help, particularly if you have no exception. Therefore it 20 years and the drivers of woodland characteristics multiple sites that fi t this is important to assess the these trends. Such long- such as size and isolation, as description, please get in longstanding benefi ts of running and widespread well as forestry practices. touch with Cecily Goodwin woodland management for monitoring programmes Over the course of my via [email protected]. dormice populations. are unusual, and provide PhD I hope to address
the dormouse monitor 5 volume 1 2014 A closer look at how our dormice fared in 201 The met offi ce described adult animals appeared to annual box clearing at The occurrence of a low the weather of 2012 as ‘a be going into hibernation three sites in Somerset and spring population may be year of dramatic contrast. at heavier weights which Carmarthenshire. A few disappointing but tells us The relatively warm and should have given them a more animals were found in little about how well the dry fi rst three months were good chance of overwinter March but as it is not really animals survived hibernation followed by an abrupt shift survival (full report in The until April that NDMP box in the winter of 2012/13 or in weather patterns bringing Dormouse Monitor Vol. 1 checks are started in earnest, their breeding success in an exceptionally wet period 2013). The expectation was these animals were chance 2013. The NDMP was set for most of the country from that animals would come out discoveries. 55 dormice were up to look at long-term April lasting through much of hibernation in spring 2013 recorded in 9,155 boxes population trends but with of the summer’. at good weights, perhaps checked in April and 400 such a long and large dataset The indication from the giving them the opportunity dormice were recorded in it is possible to compare year NDMP data was that dormice to start breeding early. 18,968 boxes checked in on year activity. remained in torpor for The winter of 2012/13 May (Fig. 1). These spring It is impossible to separate longer than usual which was cold, colder than fi gures are some of the adults and juveniles (where meant they had a shorter average, and February lowest recorded in the NDMP adults are animals that activity period and breeding was the chilliest month over the past 23 years but have survived a winter was supressed. There also of all at 2.8°C. This should as it is thought that the hibernation and juveniles appeared to be a higher have helped dormice dormouse population that are post weaned young of mortality in those litters that remain in hibernation but went into hibernation in year) from weight alone. The were born. Recruitment into three torpid animals were the winter of 2012 was also two combined age classes the population was poor but found in February during very low, it is not surprising. are referred to as adult/ juvenile or mature. If we look at the size of the mature Figure 1. The number of adult dormice recorded per 50 boxes in May and June. population in October, this can be considered as the maximal mature population that will be recorded in the boxes during a year and this population, or a proportion of it, will be the one that enters hibernation. The following year it is relatively easy to identify adults by weight in both May and June (by defi nition there are no juveniles this early in the year) as any young of the year will have a low bodyweight or will be recorded as young. Figure 2. The number of dormice recorded per 50 boxes in June and hibernal If we compare the adult survival over winter population in June with the mature population from the previous October we should get an indication of the hibernal survival by year (Fig. 2). It appears that hibernal survival during the winter of 2012/13 was about 70% and conversely hibernal mortality during the winter of 2012/13 was about 30%. The only other years when winter mortality was similarly low was in 1991 and 1995 and although the Met offi ce is lacking data for the winters
6 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2014 013... of 1990/91 and 1994/95 they both appeared to have Figure 3. The number of dormice recorded in torpor as a percentage of the had abundant snowfall population by month across large parts of the country. Winter mortality was investigated by Juskaitis at a large site in Lithuania, using marked dormice and he demonstrated that on average between 64% and ALL GRAPHS CREATED BY IAN WHITE IAN BY ALL GRAPHS CREATED 72% of all dormice died during hibernation (Juskaitis 1999). Data from the NDMP suggests that hibernal mortality in the UK may be less with an average of 48% of animals dying over winter although in some years it can be as high as 70% of the animals entering and going come out of hibernation as consequence of the chillier average weight of 16.63g; into hibernation. there are few box checks than usual spring. The the average weight of adult A good proportion of the carried out in the early part number of animals recorded females was also heavier in dormouse population might of the year and consequently in April is usually quite low both May and June relative have survived the winter of the number of animals (n=55 in 2013; n=1,417 to the long-term average. 2012/13 but did they come recorded is very low. But in 1990 – 2012) although The males were also heavier out of hibernation early or one comparison that may it increases substantially in April and May compared at an increased weight? If give an indication is by in May (n=1,687 in 2013; to the long-term average and spring weights were good, looking at the proportion of n=6,572 in 1990–2012). more closely approximated this may have had the animals that are recorded in Those animals that were the mean weight in June. eff ect of encouraging early torpor against the long-term recorded and weighed did With heavier than usual breeding or ensuring a high average (Fig. 3). appear to be heavier than females recorded in April it number of litters throughout In 2013 a few more animals usual (Table 1 overleaf). would have been reasonable the year . were recorded in torpor in In April the average weight to expect some early litters It is very diffi cult to tell from April and May than usual of adult females was 18.63g in the year. The earliest CLARE PENGELLY CLARE the NDMP when dormice and this may have been a compared to the long-term litter ever recorded in the
Ian White - PTES’ Dormouse Offi cer - on a box check at Briddlesford Woods, Isle of Wight.
the dormouse monitor 7 volume 1 2014 ...a closer look at how our dormice fared in 2
Table 1. (LEFT) Average weight of adult Average Average female Average male Average male dormice recorded in spring months. Month female weight weight weight weight Table 2. (RIGHT) Average litter sizes of 2013 (g) 1990-12 (g) 2013 (g) 1990-12 (g) diff erent ages classe of young, by year, from the NDMP. (These averages only include data April 18.63 (n=12) 16.63 (n=455) 18.39 (n=39) 18.12 (n=761) on litters that recorded two or more young.)
May 16.90 (n=150) 16.33 (n=2,648) 17.68 (n=206) 17.27 (n=2,973) NDMP was at Merbach Hill in June 16.99 (n=269) 16.43 (n=3,392) 17.15 (n=246) 17.19 (n=3,180) Herefordshire on the 12 May 2012 but this was not to be matched in 2013. The fi rst litter of pinks was found at Heslett and Peter Wood in North Yorkshire on the 1 June; further litters were recorded a little later in the Figure 4. The number of pink dormouse litters recorded per 50 boxes in May month at Priestley Wood in and June Suff olk, Little Linford Wood in Buckinghamshire and Freeholders Wood, also in North Yorkshire. Interestingly all these sites are dormouse reintroduction sites. Also in June two litters of six pinks were recorded at Polstead in Suff olk and at MOD Carwent in Monmouthshire. Although the dormice were in good condition to breed in the spring of 2013, breeding did not start early, litters started to appear in June but compared to other years it was not exceptional (Fig. 4). For early breeding the best years appear to have been 1995, Figure 5. The number of eyes open unweaned litters expressed as 1997 and 2011. Without a percentage of June adultsand June considering the size of the adult breeding population in spring however and the survival rate of the young, it is impossible to ascertain breeding success throughout the year. In the Handbook of British Mammals (2008), dormouse litter size is given as an average of 4.6 (range 2-9) in the UK and 3.7 in Germany. This can be more accurately measured by looking at long-term data in the NDMP (Table 2). It would appear that litter size increases from the pink stage (3.60 animals), to the later grey eyes open and eyes open
8 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2014 n 2013
Year Average litter Average litter Average litter This is not wrong. While litter population in June. We know size pink size GEC size eyes open size information is useful, the pink stage is probably the welfare of the animals under-recorded and that is paramount. Hence young there is a 9% mortality 1990 4.60 4.27 3.93 litters often get recorded in between pinks and eyes the NDMP as only a single open, which suggests that 1991 3.75 4.56 5.75 individual. If these single the optimal indicator of animal pink litters are dormouse breeding success 1992 4.80 4.27 1.00 removed, the average litter is the number of litters of size increases to 4.17 eyes open recorded between 1993 4.00 3.80 4.22 The litter counts for the June and October which are grey eyes closed and eyes the young most likely to be 1994 4.26 4.17 3.61 open stages are likely weaned (Fig. 5) . to be more accurate as This suggests that 2013 was 1995 4.51 4.22 4.16 people are generally more a very successful breeding confi dent recording older year, comparable to 1998, 1996 4.30 4.07 3.63 young stages. In these 2000, 2004 and 2010, and stage the litters are 3.99 only surpassed in the year 1997 4.57 3.64 3.85 and 3.79 respectively. There 2006. It also suggests that is no signifi cant diff erence dormouse breeding success 1998 4.62 4.39 3.85 between the litter size of is cyclical with a good pinks and grey eyes open breeding year following 1999 4.61 4.41 3.94 but there is a signifi cant a previously poor year, diff erence between the size although the actual number 2000 4.17 4.21 3.89 of grey eyes closed and eyes of litters produced will be open (Mann-Whitney z = dependent on the number 2001 4.03 3.71 3.78 3.314 p<0.01). This suggests of adult females available that the average number of to breed. As an ecological 2002 3.64 3.73 3.90 young born is 4.17 but there adaptation it would make is a 9% mortality as the litter sense, if dormice have a 2003 3.98 3.96 3.54 ages and the number of good breeding year one young dormice weaned in a year, why invest energy and 2004 4.27 3.98 3.85 litter is 3.79. Infant mortality resources producing more in mammals has rarely been young the following year 2005 3.86 3.30 3.33 measured and it requires a when, for a slow dispersing long dataset of regular nest animal, many of the available monitoring in which litter ranges could be fi lled. It is 2006 3.87 4.01 4.31 size is counted and which possible to see how this the NDMP can provide. could be implemented at 2007 3.84 4.55 4.34 The highest number of an individual level but the dormice that are known data appears to indicate 2008 3.64 3.74 3.80 to be adults are recorded that this phenomenon is in June and a proportion occurring at a population 2009 4.25 3.66 3.73 of this population can be level. It is well known that considered to be those that a close relative of the hazel 2010 4.20 3.51 3.29 will breed and produce litters dormouse, the fat dormouse, over the summer and early reacts to the future presence, 2011 4.15 3.96 3.82 autumn. To get an indication absence or reduction in the of the breeding success amount of beech mast that 2012 4.04 3.55 3.55 in any one year we can will be available in any year compare the total number by adjusting their breeding 2013 4.12 4.00 3.83 of litters of each stage (this in that year accordingly. In assumes that a litter of pinks some years fat dormice do 4.17 (n=1,040) 3.99 (n=1,205) 3.79 (n=2,697) recorded one month will not breed at all. Are there not be recorded as a litter of similar environmental factors pinks the following month aff ecting the breeding of stage, but this could be a dormice they are often although it may be recorded hazel dormice? recording anomaly. When reluctant to disturb the nest as a litter of grey eyes open) people record litters of when the litter is very young. with the adult dormouse Ian White, PTES
the dormouse monitor 9 volume 1 2014 Is the national population of dormice still dec
The NDMP was set up to number of dormice found news has not been good Table 1. Number of years of monitor the trend of the at each box check to create with statistically signifi cant data from each site in each key dormouse population an annual population trend declines over the months month showing the number of in the UK. The analysis so that we can monitor and years. sites, percentages of the total is undertaken each year how dormice are faring. There has been a steady for the month, and cumulative by Steve Langton, an This trend is based on the increase in the number of percentages (e.g. 75.3% of May independent statistician, number of live dormice sites from which we received sites are recorded for 6 years who looks at the number that we fi nd during our box data each year. The number or less). of sites monitored and the checks. Unfortunately the of sites that have been
May June September October
years sites % cum % sites % cum % sites % cum % sites % cum %
1 119 24.9 24.9 108 21.5 21.5 113 22.6 22.6 120 23.2 23.2
2 85 17.8 42.7 93 18.5 40.0 95 19.0 41.6 89 17.2 40.3
3 58 12.1 54.8 63 12.5 52.6 61 12.2 53.8 68 13.1 53.5
4 45 9.4 64.2 47 9.4 62.0 38 7.6 61.4 42 8.1 61.6
5 35 7.3 71.5 28 5.6 67.5 38 7.6 69.0 36 6.9 68.5
6 18 3.8 75.3 30 6.0 73.5 24 4.8 73.8 22 4.2 72.8
7 12 2.5 77.8 23 4.6 78.1 22 4.4 78.2 23 4.4 77.2
8 22 4.6 82.4 13 2.6 80.7 19 3.8 82.0 19 3.7 80.9
9 14 2.9 85.4 16 3.2 83.9 16 3.2 85.2 11 2.1 83.0
10 20 4.2 89.5 14 2.8 86.7 9 1.8 87.0 17 3.3 86.3
11 9 1.9 91.4 8 1.6 88.2 10 2.0 89.0 12 2.3 88.6
12 6 1.3 92.7 13 2.6 90.8 17 3.4 92.4 17 3.3 91.9
13 12 2.5 95.2 16 3.2 94.0 13 2.6 95.0 7 1.4 93.2
14 4 0.8 96.0 5 1.0 95.0 7 1.4 96.4 9 1.7 95.0
15 3 0.6 96.7 5 1.0 96.0 3 0.6 97.0 8 1.5 96.5
16 3 0.6 97.3 6 1.2 97.2 3 0.6 97.6 6 1.2 97.7
17 5 1.0 98.3 5 1.0 98.2 6 1.2 98.8 2 0.4 98.1
18 5 1.0 99.4 5 1.0 99.2 1 0.2 99.0 5 1.0 99.0
19 1 0.2 99.6 1 0.2 99.4 3 0.6 99.6 2 0.4 99.4
20 1 0.2 99.8 3 0.6 100.0 0 0.0 99.6 0 0.0 99.4
21 1 0.2 100.0 0 0.0 100.0 2 0.4 100.0 3 0.6 100.0
478 100.0 200.0 502 100.0 200.0 500 100.0 200.0 518 100.0 200.0
10 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2014 eclining?
Figure 1 (LEFT): The dormouse counts for each month per 50 boxes checked Figure 2 (BELOW TOP): GAM curve for standardised dormouse counts in June Figure 3 (BELOW BOTTOM): GAM curve for standardised dormouse counts in October
graphs indicate a long-term in October have survived contributing data to the and have at least 20 boxes trend and the most recent hibernation and that we will NDMP each year is shown (although the standard 50 data in the GAM models record good numbers in in Table 1. Some monitors is preferred). Generalised cannot be given too much 2014. have been submitting data Additive Model (GAM) curves weight. We must hope that from their sites for over 20 are then fi tted to the data a high proportion of animals Ian White & Lauren years. A large proportion of with an adjustment being that boosted the population Alexander, PTES the sites have only returned made to take account of the data for a few years so far fact that there are diff erent – this is mainly due to the numbers of boxes up at number of sites increasing, diff erent sites. so many of these are new The GAM method is sites, but there are also lots designed not to respond to of sites where monitoring a single extreme year but has stopped for various indicates the longer term reasons. It is important that trend with a smoothed line. PTES is notifi ed if a site will A few years ago it appeared no longer be monitored so that the population decline we can try to keep it in the was slowing as the trend programme if at all possible. line was levelling off . The usual standard Unfortunately though, the measure within the NDMP 2012 and 2013 counts were is the number of dormice poor compared to 2011 recorded per 50 boxes. This and so now the curves for measure fl uctuates greatly May, June and September by month, and also by year are not looking so good. too. Figure 1 shows the Figure 2 shows the decline data for the key months we in dormouse numbers for analyse up to 2013 (May the June counts. Numbers of and June = pre-breeding, dormice recorded in October September and October = 2013 were higher and have post-breeding). resulted in a levelling off of Steve analyses data from the October curve as shown sites that have submitted at in Figure 3. It is important CLARE PENGELLY CLARE least fi ve years worth of data to note, however, that the
the dormouse monitor 11 volume 1 2014 Volunteering for the weekend at Briddlesford W
Last weekend I joined other talk with others who have coppicing and layering ample cups of tea, and a volunteers and members similar interests to yourself. group. After a brief talk on shorter work session in of the People’s Trust for On the drive down this health and safety we went the afternoon in which we Endangered Species time I stopped off just before off to the area of woodland fi nished the coppicing, we all (PTES) for a practical work Portsmouth to pick up a we were coppicing. Every met up for a walk around the weekend at their reserve at fellow volunteer and food year diff erent sections of the woods. The PTES dormouse Briddlesford, on the Isle of supplies for the weekend. woods at Briddlesford are offi cer described various Wight. I fi rst joined in with We had never met before, coppiced for conservation, to bits of current and on-going dormouse monitoring with so the rest of the journey improve habitat for dormice management and features PTES last September and to Winchester House at and to open up the canopy of interest, including my fi rst from that point on I was Shanklin was spent getting to allow more light through ever sighting of butcher’s hooked. to know one another, to the woodland fl oor. broom Ruscus aculeatus, an No matter that it’s a three albeit in slightly cramped Its also improves the age ancient woodland indicator hour drive to Portsmouth, conditions thanks to boxes structure of the woodland, species and member of the or that with fuel and ferry of fruit and vegetables, and which in turn provides more lily family. costs plus a delicious pub with our stomachs rumbling varied habitats. Back at the youth hostel, meal I could go on some thanks to the delicious smells Armed with hand saws, we all chipped in to help European city break for three coming from the numerous bow saws and loppers, our prepare fajitas and nachos days instead; it’s great to be cake tins. group moved through the for 30+ people. Myself and volunteering, the people On Friday evening we all woodland coppicing and a few others ended up who volunteer are so friendly met up at the youth hostel to cutting down most of the chopping the onions and and lovely, and it feels like offl oad the supplies before trees, leaving young hazels all of us, including some of another world while you are heading to the Crab Inn at (these could be used to those NOT chopping onions, in the middle of the woods Shanklin for some much layer up later on) and a had tears running down our scrambling around. Plus, needed food and to meet few mature and older trees cheeks. I never want to chop and this is the best part everyone in the party. We all such as oaks, ash and elms. another onion again. Still, for me, you are outside in turned in early that night to The cut down trees and the food was delicious and the fresh air with very little be up and ready for practical vegetation were used to was fi nished off with apple phone signal, so internet woodland management the create dead hedges along crumble and custard while access is largely a no. There is next day. the woodland edges, to people mingled and chatted such a wonderful feeling of On Saturday we were split provide additional habitats and generally had fun. All freedom in not being able to into diff erent work groups; and to discourage access of us were in bed fairly early randomly check Facebook, some were checking and into the woodland from the though after a tiring day, and or emails, and instead really repairing dormouse boxes, bridle path. we had to be up and ready in look at the world around you others cleared woodland After a yummy lunch the morning to tidy up and
ALL IMAGES RACHEL BATES RACHEL ALL IMAGES and socialise and actually rides, whilst I was in the around a camp fi re and pack everything.
12 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2014 d Woods, Isle of Wight
On Sunday morning, after helping to tidy up the breakfast things and packing my stuff , I took a few minutes to sneak off and walk along the pathway behind the hostel – we were right on the coast, so how I could I not take a peek? As an added bonus, it was a beautiful morning and I reached the path as the sun was rising, which cast a beautiful golden light over Hope Bay and the cliff s beyond. It was so relaxing to listen to the waves gently crashing onto the beach, while dogs ran after their balls on the beach below and blackbirds chirped away in the shrubs. Although our ferry was booked for 3pm, we managed to get a lot more work done; this time layering the young hazel left alone from the coppicing work the day before. Layering encourages hazel stems to regenerate naturally by nicking the stems and planting them in the ground to hopefully take root and create new stands - think strawberry runners. After a leisurely lunch and tea and cake around another campfi re, we tidied up and sorted through the tools and equipment before leaving to catch the ferry. It was a wonderfully warm day, and we sat waiting for the ferry with our windows down! It was a nice drive home too with a colourful sunset, although the temperature dropped to three degrees by the time I arrived home in the evening; not quite spring just yet! What a wonderful weekend. I didn’t want it to end, but there are future trips to look forward to.
Rachel Bates, NDMP monitor
the dormouse monitor 13 volume 1 2014 Boxing clever: home improvement of old birds
We had fi nished checking our twelfth particularly if there were signs negative nest box. The thirteenth of home improvement by a revealed a shapeless mass of moss, prospective furry new tenant. clearly an old bird nest which should A question hangs over probably be cleared out. However best these species interactions. fi rst to check properly; and just as well As Nida reported in summer we did, for curled up in the middle… 2007 issue and in Rimvydas Our April - June box checks often and Sven’s wonderful new encounter high proportions of great book, there is strong and tit or blue tit nests. Further into the highly statistically signifi cant season however, with birds long evidence, over a huge dataset since fl edged, we’d discover apparent and timescale, that nesting modifi cations to these old nests, with hazel dormice and tits actively moss canopy pulled over the top, compete for nest boxes in added leaves, or interwoven chunky Lithuania; dormice seldom strands of honeysuckle bark. Some of used great tit nests, and vice these later developed into fully fi nished versa, and in Mediterranean and occupied dormouse nests. As birds’ and Czech studies, dormice nest records had been made and kept excluded nesting blue tits. for the last six years, I reviewed the Suggested reasons were that, history of individual boxes to see how unlike blue tits, sitting great M.C. HARRIS commonly old bits of birds’ nest were tits are combative enough recycled, from titmouse to dormouse to defend their eggs against intruders, modifi ed and active (any indeterminate nest. while the inner nest structure, typically nests have been omitted). With some This has not especially been by design: a deeper, densely matted layer of hair, annual fl uctuation, approximately half in early months of the season once wool and other materials, is found our dormouse nests originated via we identify current bird nesting in a unsuitable by dormice. Exceptions former birds’ nests. Adoption of old bird dormouse box, we leave it undisturbed, were when great tit nests were in early nests seemed to take place mostly in as one should (nesting birds are legally phases prior to construction of the the latter part of the season, after birds protected). But in the 2-3 following inner lining, or when there was a dearth had fi nished nesting. checks, it becomes more ambiguous of other available nesting sites. Conversely I’d also note that whether nests without sitting birds The results here (Table 1) are off ered approximately half of our dormouse have truly been aborted or might still as no more than incidental observations nests had nothing to do with birds’ be active; at the same time we start to from my main NDMP site in Devon. nests. If comparing solely boxes with see our mammally modifi cations. Hence They comprise counts of diff erent boxes unless obviously abandoned, soggy, with known old birds’ nests either i) Table 1. Bird (great and blue tit Parus soiled or harbouring parasites, old birds’ found with dormouse occupants, or ii) major and P. caeruleus) and dormouse nest material has tended to be left, unoccupied but obviously dormouse- nests 2008-2013 at a NDMP site in Devon.
No of dormouse No of boxes No of boxes with Year boxes (out of 50) with dormouse dormouse nests Comments with bird nests nests of bird not of bird nest nest origin origin
2008 16 0 8
2009 16 2 3
2010 19 6 5 Not incl. one moss nest found in April
2011 16 3 4 Warm spring: recorded instance of known active bird nest taken over and modifi ed into dormouse breeding nest found in May
2012 24 8 8
2013 21 8 6 Cold spring: bird nesting delayed so greater overlap of dormouse and bird nesting periods
14 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2014 ds’ nests
dormouse nests, this would small amounts of down, not account for active horse hair, and stripped bark discouragement or exclusion threads, in which the nest of dormice from boxes cup itself was a concave by birds. From looking at compressed saucer in the months of fi rst occupation top where birds had been of individual boxes, there sitting (we sometimes found may have been some old dormouse nests with mutual avoidance early in signs of having been sat the season. Would more upon in this way). dormice have used boxes if More speculatively, I old birds’ nest remnants had wonder if the south-west been fully removed? Many wet and mild climate may (33-66%) of the 16-24 old play a part. Our woodland bird nests in any one year did site is damp and abundant in not later become dormouse moss fl ora most of the year, nests; but neither were there and it’s not unusual to fi nd indications that, once old moss-rich dormouse nests. nests were removed, boxes Indeed moss might be the M.C. HARRIS were then immediately taken most commonly available up by dormice. Finally there material, particularly early Wider questions would by dormice, and half or were many boxes without in the season; maybe birds’ be: are similar species more of boxes are used by either bird or mammal nests are not so unfamiliar. interactions taking place birds, what impact might nests, home only to moths, Does the presence of ready- over natural nest sites in tree this be having on results? earwigs, woodlice and slugs. collected material in a mossy holes? If availability of nest Understanding nest box Were dormice and birds fl at pack encourage dormice sites can aff ect population competition with other competing for nest boxes? to move in? Otherwise our density, what about that of species is included in the Bird nesting at the site records show repeated nesting material itself? How latest Natural England list of usually began earlier than use of certain boxes or are other factors involved, priority research actions for dormouse emergence groups of boxes from year such as natal dispersal, hazel dormouse (October and breeding at the site, to year; maybe there is territoriality, food availability, 2013). Beyond this mini- which might reduce the some fi delity to known nest or habitat connectedness, in investigation at a single overlapping of nesting sites, regardless of prior infl uencing whether or not site, the NDMP might be periods. We also noticed bird nesting. Intermittent an individual nest box is a well placed to collect such that bird nests generally occupancy of these boxes dormouse des res? data towards a fuller study did not contain a deeply suggests alternative nesting There are immediate project. matted inner layer, but sites are present elsewhere, implications for nest box were predominantly moss as might be expected in a monitoring too. If nesting Stephen Carroll, Devon
interspersed and lined with SSSI ancient woodland. birds can deter use of boxes Dormouse Group CLARE PENGELLY
the dormouse monitor 15 volume 1 2014 An ever-changing climate: potential infl uences on to
Climate change is one of infl uenced by a changing obvious benefi ts to entering the warmer weather and the world’s most highly climate. torpor and reducing energy therefore better conditions discussed and controversial The hazel dormouse expenditure during these for fi nding food. Other media topics. The increase is a European protected challenging periods, there temperature measurements in the global climate has species, a priority in the UK are costs to entering this showed no aff ect on the led to a growing concern Biodiversity Action Plan, state, which could potentially torpor length, but this is of the vulnerability of the and a known hibernator. It reduce the overall fi tness of perhaps due to the small natural environment, and the has been shown previously the individual. The more time variation in air temperature species which it supports. that the species exhibits spent in an inactive state during the study. Other Evidence suggests that torpor as a response to means that less time is spent studies have found that there has been an increase changes in air temperature fi nding food and gaining the torpor is sensitive to changes in the global temperature and is specifi cally sensitive vital extra grams needed for in air temperature, so more of 0.6°C in the past century, to climate and weather. hibernation over winter, as research is needed for a and this is only expected to These factors all make for well as making them more better idea of the scale of continue. This has therefore an ideal study subject when at risk to predators, reducing impact on dormice. highlighted a need to further looking at the responses synaptic effi ciency and Season also had a strong investigate the ecological of an organism to varying building up sleep debt. infl uence on TBD, with impacts that this ever- environmental factors. During the study torpor dormice spending more expanding problem will This article represents was recorded in hazel time in torpor in spring, have on our native fl ora and a brief summary of the dormouse populations in than in summer or autumn. fauna, such as our beloved research that was completed three sites: Cheddar Gorge, The season determines hazel dormouse. during my MSc in Biological Somerset; Bramley Frith, what food can be found, Mammals have proven to Sciences Research at Royal Hampshire; and Ulpha, and in the spring and early be an extremely diverse and Holloway, University of south-west Cumbria. All sites summer dormice move from adaptable group of animals, London. During this time have existing nest boxes tree species to tree species existing and surviving in I was fortunate enough to for monitoring purposes, in order to keep up with a wide variety of habitats, study under Dr Paul Bright and the temperature of diff erent fl owering cycles, and demonstrating a huge for both my undergraduate the dormouse nests were and rely on insects when the amount of physical and degree and Masters, where recorded using a probe other food stocks are low. ecological diversity. A prime I gained a great knowledge thermometer. TBD was The fruiting period begins in example of their adaptable and passion for the charming measured by looking at the August with berries and nuts nature is in the form of hazel dormouse. My thesis slow cooling and spikes in making up the autumn diet, hibernation as a mechanism focused on the infl uences increased temperature in a higher energy, and more to overcome unpleasant of environmental factors the nest, which indicate valuable food source. This and cold conditions during on torpor behaviour in that the dormouse is study demonstrated that if winter. As well as being able hibernating mammals. The re-warming from torpor. fewer fl owers were available to avoid the winter blues, main study, which will be The environmental factors for feeding during the many hibernating mammals, the focus of this article, measured during the study spring, then more time was such as the hazel dormouse, was an investigation into included: air temperature; spent preserving energy in are also able to get around the environmental factors rainfall; and food availability torpor, supporting evidence the issue of unexpected, that infl uence torpor in the form of fruit, fl owers for more time spent in torpor and unfavorable conditions, bout duration in the hazel and insects. We also noted during this season. The a frequently encountered dormouse, highlighting the how season; site; mass of season is usually responsible problem for a British signifi cance of this function. the individual and sex of for diff erences in climate and resident, by entering Torpor bout duration (TBD) the individual impacted the weather, which as well as a temporary state of refers to when the organism, length of torpor. infl uencing food availability, hibernation known as torpor. in our case the dormouse, The results of the study also infl uences torpor length Both of these physiological re-warms at spontaneous showed that there were directly through changes functions act to reduce the intervals, for periods lasting a number of factors that in air temperature, making organism’s metabolic rate days or even weeks. The infl uenced the length of conditions less ideal for and core body temperature lengths of these bouts will torpor in the study subjects. foraging. to save energy. diff er between species and As expected, daytime This particular study Many environmental are infl uenced by changes air temperature had a only found that fl ower factors have been found in the environment. During noticeable aff ect on TBD, availability infl uenced the to infl uence hibernation unfavorable conditions, where the warmer it was length of torpor in the hazel and torpor in mammals, such as low temperature or during the day the shorter dormouse, not fruit or insect particularly changes in low food availability, torpor the length of torpor. This availability. This could be air temperature and food duration may be longer implies that the dormice explained by the lack of PTES availability, which are heavily than usual. Though there are are taking advantage of urgency to gain weight in
16 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2014 n torpor in hazel dormice
the spring with two seasons in the Hampshire site. This come across the “perfect” winter, making the species still to go before hibernation; could again be related to conditions in nature, more vulnerable. this may therefore make the climate and weather making torpor a useful tool Torpor is an important energy conservation a conditions, as generally for energy preservation, function for the hazel higher priority. As fl owers the more northern sites to supplement a years dormouse as a response to are not as nutritionally may have poorer weather successful foraging during periods of environmental valuable as fruit and nuts, conditions and lower more suitable conditions. stress, but is most benefi cial when the fruiting period average temperatures, Torpor behaviour is to the individuals when used begins in August there may potentially resulting in less strongly infl uenced by in moderation along with be a greater advantage in food available. The Somerset air temperature and food frequent foraging on the feeding more frequently dormice may spend longer availability, factors that are appropriate food supplies, over entering torpor, even if bouts in torpor due to controlled by the climate, in order to overcome the the conditions are poor, to being more exposed to the suggesting that predicted challenges faced during gain the required weight to elements at the Cheddar increases in global climate winter hibernation. Overall it survive hibernation over the Gorge site, with its limestone may infl uence this behaviour. is apparent that the ever- fast-approaching winter. hills and cliff s, making for Though useful in moderation increasing global climate Interestingly there was also less suitable conditions for during the active months, will have multiple negative a diff erence in the length food resources and foraging. an increase in frequency of eff ects on the natural of time that dormice would There was no diff erence torpor and torpor length fl ora and fauna, and could enter torpor between the in torpor length found could be detrimental to encourage negative changes three sites. Dormice from between males and females, the overall fi tness of the in their physical functions. the Cumbria site on average and the variation between individual and potentially spent the most amount of the body sizes of individuals the species. More time in Claire Neale time in torpor, around 9.3 was too small to indicate any torpor means less time Royal Holloway, University of hrs, compared to around signifi cant impact on TBD. gaining the essential weight London 7.8 hours in the Somerset It is very rare, and some needed to last out the long
site and around 5.9 hours may say impossible, to hibernation period during RUUD FOPPEN
Pygmy shrews are also found in dormouse nest boxes.
the dormouse monitor 17 volume 1 2014 Learning more about our woodlands
Towards the end of last types of management. And actively being monitored for again please get in contact. year we sent those of you by getting details on who dormice will give us a better All the evidence to date is who are NDMP volunteers owns the wood we hope understanding of the data that dormouse populations a questionnaire and maps to be able to communicate we are collecting for the benefi t from sympathetic relating to the woods that with them and encourage NDMP. In particular for sites ongoing woodland you monitor for dormice. them to take dormice into where dormice appear to management and with this We have more than 600 consideration if they are not have been lost, we can assess information we should be sites registered within the already. whether they might have able to target it, right where NDMP across the UK, of So far you have sent back just moved out of a certain it is most needed. which over 350 are currently information on almost 270 part of a woodland when being monitored. Since of the sites. We have had the habitat has become less Nida Al-Fulaij, PTES we know very little about two dedicated volunteers suitable for them. [email protected] these sites, we sent out coming into the offi ce - Thanks to all of you these questionnaires to Keiron and Stephanie - who who have completed and help inform us what type of have diligently been logging returned the forms.s. If you habitat is being monitored all the information from haven’t yet had a chancehance to for dormice. Apart from the the questionnaires into a - please send themm back as fact that the majority of sites spreadsheet for us. soon as possible. Iff you have are woodlands and that most They have also been any questions aboutut the of them are in the south, looking at the maps that you work, queries on howow to fi ll we have very little other sent back with the locations in the forms or woulduld like information about them such of your dormouse boxes us to send them as the habitat composition, marked on them. Some to you any management regimes nest box schemes have and the ownership. boxes erected up In order to make better across whole use of the trend data that woodland we collect annually on our areas but others dormouse populations we are only up in would like to see if there is sections of a site any correlation between and therefore the types of habitat and monitoring just management and whether a part of a wood. dormice are faring well or Knowing what poorly in a particular type proportion of CLARE PENGELLY of area or due to certain woodland sites aree
Targetting land management practices - such as coppicing and hedge planting, will really benefi t dormice.
18 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2014 Danish dormouse conference September
Hot on the heals of the consideration during Eurovision Song Contest, development. A new Denmark is warming up fauna bridge has to host the next most been established FIRST CALL important international north of Svendborg. meeting in Europe of 2014. In one years time This September will be this will connect FIRST CALL the ninth International the dormouse TH Dormouse Conference and it populations on either 9 INTERNATIONAL will be held in Denmark. Calls side of the highway. DORMOUSE have gone out to researchers Then on 21 CONFERENCE and conservationists to September a full 18 SEPTEMBER TO 23 SEPTEMBER 2014 register their talks and day trip is being posters and a timetable will arranged to another shortlys be drawn up. dormouse location, In the meantime the a picnic lunch organisingo committee - and then a visit whichw includes Thomas to the historical We would like to invite you to the BjørneboeB Berg from the part of Odense, 9th International Dormouse Confer- ence in Denmark held from Sep- DanishD Mammal Society, the birth place of tember 18 th to September 23 anda Helle Vilhelmsen of Hans Christian 2014 and hosted by Naturama,rd, Svendborg, Funen, Denmark and Dormiceconsult.dkD - have Andersen. in collaboration with the Danish beenb arranging a couple of Ian White, Nature Agency and Department excitinge trips to the local PTES’ Dormouse of Bioscience, Aarhus University. area.a Offi cer, and I Firstly, on 20 September, look forward theret will be an opportunity to seeing you tot visit a fi ne example of there! whatw can be achieved whenw wildlife is taken into Nida Al-Fulaij PTES BELOW: A green wildlife bridge - or fauna bridge as it’s known locally - has recently been built north of Svendbord where the conference is taking place.
INTERNATIONAL DORMOUSE CONFERENCE DENMARK
18-23 September 2014
Three days of lectures from speakers who will come from Europe, and around the world.
Two fi eld trips
2,565 DKK
For more information and to contact the organising committee please visit: http:// dormouseconference.net/
the dormouse monitor 19 volume 1 2014 Training courses & other news HOW TO MANAGE good for dormice is also The cost for the day is £45 towards their dormouse WOODLANDS FOR DORMICE good for many other species for dormouse monitors, licence. too. individuals £55 and for PTES owns and manages Dormice need well managed PTES will be running its organisations £75. Briddlesford Nature woods to thrive. The British How to Manage Woods for Reserve which is a 158ha weather doesn’t help Dormice course taught by PTES WOODLAND AND site comprising woodland dormice with the variability dormouse expert Dr Pat DORMOUSE COURSES 2014 and farmland. The reserve in winter temperatures, Morris at Ipplepen, near is not open to the public westerly weather (cold, Newton Abbot in Devon on In 2014 PTES will be although it is bisected by a wet) in summer and the Friday 24 October 2014. For delivering a range of courses single bridleway and a steam uncertainty about the start, further details and a booking to help people manage railway line. Briddlesford is end and duration of the form email Susan Sharafi and maintain woodlands a Site of Special Scientifi c British summer. So habitat susan.sharafi @ptes.org or in a sustainable and Interest (SSSI) for its fl ora management becomes even call her at the offi ce on 020 environmentally-friendly and mammal assemblage
Linda Lowther, Alan Jones Linda Lowther, more critical. And what’s 7498 4533. manner. They will guide (including hazel dormouse participants on how to and red squirrel) and is a identify a range of species, Special Area of Conservation how to monitor those (SAC) for the bat interest. The species in woodlands, how woodland represents the to create a management most varied area of ancient plan that directs practical broadleaved woodland on woodland management, the Isle of Wight and the and how to make woodland woodland fl ora is among the management sustainable. richest in England. We are also running a one day course on analysing Please contact Ian. monitoring data and a three [email protected] for more day course on dormouse information. We are able ecology, conservation and to recommend local woodland management, accommodation if required. designed for those working
Course Date Cost Location
Identifi cation of Key Woodland Mon 12 & Tues 13 May £150 for 2 days (plus travel and Briddlesford Nature Reserve; Isle Species accommodation if required) of Wight
Monitoring Key Woodland Weds 14 & Thurs 15 May £150 for 2 days (plus travel and Briddlesford Nature Reserve; Isle Species accommodation if required) of Wight
Monitoring Key Woodland Mon 2 & Tues 3 June £150 for 2 days (plus travel and Briddlesford Nature Reserve; Isle Species accommodation if required) of Wight
Management Planning and Weds 4 & Thurs 5 June £150 for 2 days (plus travel and Briddlesford Nature Reserve; Isle Funding accommodation if required) of Wight
Course Date Cost Location
Woodland Management Thurs 1 May £75 for 1 day (plus travel and Briddlesford Nature Reserve; Isle accommodation if required) of Wight
Analysing Monitoring Data Tues 8 July £75 for 1 day 15 Cloisters House, 8 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4BG
Dormouse Ecology, Conservation Mon 6 , Tues 7 and Weds £450 for 3 days (plus travel and Briddlesford Nature Reserve; Isle and Woodland Management 8 October accommodation if required) of Wight
20 the dormouse monitor