The hazel dormouse has declined by 51% since 2000; a specialist of ancient woodland structure, its welfare depends on high-quality connected habitats.
Dormouse welfare is shaped almost entirely by habitat quality and connectivity. Poor hibernation sites that expose animals to temperature extremes or flood risk cause death during hibernation — a period of profound vulnerability. Fragmented habitats force dormice to cross open ground, exposing them to predation. Forestry management that removes coppice structure destroys dormouse habitat. Conservation translocations involving capture and release cause acute stress but enable population establishment in restored habitats. Handling of dormice requires licensing in the UK and specialist expertise to avoid injury to these tiny, fragile animals.