Hunt for UK's smallest mouse in huge Scottish nature reserve
Summary
A large nature reserve in southern Scotland is conducting surveys to confirm if harvest mice, the UK's smallest rodents, live in its area. These surveys follow the discovery of nests that these mice typically make. The reserve aims to involve volunteers in confirming the presence of this critically endangered species.Key Facts
- Harvest mice are the smallest rodents in the UK and are critically endangered in Scotland.
- Evidence of harvest mice, such as their characteristic nests, was found in the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve.
- Tarras Valley Nature Reserve is one of the largest reserves in the UK, located in southern Scotland.
- The reserve was created after a local community bought land from Buccleuch Estates in 2021, later doubling in size.
- Volunteers are invited to participate in surveys to confirm the presence of the mice.
- Surveys are scheduled for every Wednesday in February, organized by the Mammal Society.
- The decline in harvest mouse populations is linked to changing farming practices reducing their natural habitats.
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