The city is focusing on nature conservation with so-called dormouse boxes
The city of Griesheim has announced that dormouse boxes installed on municipal land in the coming weeks to provide sleeping quarters for garden dormice. This project is made possible through financial support from the Lower Nature Conservation Authority and the coordination of the Darmstadt-Dieburg Landscape Conservation Association.
The aim is to improve the habitat of these increasingly rare animals and at the same time learn more about their occurrence in the district.
Garden dormouse critically endangered
The garden dormouse is a small, nocturnal mammal with striking facial markings and large eyes. It prefers to live in structurally diverse gardens, hedgerows, orchards, and along forest edges. For hibernation, it uses tree hollows or sheltered hiding places, among other things.
A significant portion of the European population lives in Germany, yet the species is considered highly endangered . In recent decades, the population has declined considerably across Europe.
Dormouse boxes create new habitats
Since natural retreats are becoming increasingly rare, special nesting boxes – so-called dormouse boxes – can help. They offer the garden dormouse suitable sleeping and retreat places.
Hanging up and regularly checking the boxes is intended to provide new insights into the spread of the animals in the district.
A useful helper in the garden
Besides its importance for species conservation, the garden dormouse also has a practical benefit: it feeds on snails and aphids, among other things, and thus contributes to natural pest control.
What can help in your own garden
Even in private settings, measures can contribute to protection:
- Create natural gardens with hedges and hiding places
- Installing dormer windows
- Avoid pesticides
- Provide water sources
Further information and options for reporting sightings can be found at:
www.gartenschlaefer.de
meldestelle.gartenschlaefer.de/start
(GRIESHEIM – RED/PSG)
