The hazel dormouse has declined by over 50% in 25 years due to woodland management changes and climate disruption, with welfare implications for this hibernating species.
Hazel dormice face welfare challenges from habitat fragmentation that forces them to travel across exposed ground between woodland patches, increasing predation risk. Premature arousal from hibernation during mild winter spells depletes energy reserves that may prove fatal if cold weather returns. Climate change is disrupting the phenological timing of food plants that dormice depend on for pre-hibernation fattening. Dormice that fail to achieve sufficient fat reserves before entering hibernation face welfare challenges from insufficient energy to sustain the hibernation period. Woodland management that maintains a diverse canopy layer with continuous fruiting helps sustain dormouse welfare through the annual cycle.