Wildlife

Wild Dormouse Hibernation Welfare

Common dormice are Britain's only native hibernating rodent, requiring specific habitat conditions for survival and facing significant population pressures.

Key Facts

Dormice hibernate from October to April, entering torpor at temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius
Body temperature drops to near-ambient during hibernation, reducing metabolic demands
Pre-hibernation fattening is essential; insufficient fat stores cause death during hibernation
Ancient woodland with hazel coppice provides ideal foraging and nesting habitat
UK dormouse populations have declined by 70 percent since 2000

Welfare Considerations

Dormice rousing from hibernation during mild winter spells use critical fat reserves and face starvation risk. Habitat fragmentation prevents dispersal to find adequate food before entering torpor.

What You Can Do

Support ancient woodland and hazel coppice management programs
Install dormouse nest boxes in suitable woodland to support breeding populations
Donate to People's Trust for Endangered Species dormouse conservation programs