Catherine Doherty, Head of Section for Animal Encounters at Woburn Safari Park, is collaborating with BIAZA (the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) to support the conservation of harvest mice. Representing over 100 of the best animal institutions, BIAZA focuses on the conservation of endangered species and promoting the highest standards of animal welfare.
In the British Isles, harvest mice are mainly found south of central Yorkshire, although they do also occur in Scotland and Wales in, these tiny creatures are classified as near threatened. These endangered mammals thrive in long grasslands where they build intricate nests, but their populations are at risk due to habitat loss. At Woburn Safari Park’s Foot Safari, a group of harvest mice lives under expert care. Harvest mice aren’t usually a social animal, but they can live in colonies if introduced from a young age, similar to the colony at Woburn Safari Park.
Since early 2023, Woburn Safari Park has participated in the Mammal Society’s National Harvest Mouse Survey. Katie Chapman, Head of Conservation and Research, and her team has led the harvest mice surveys on the Woburn Safari Park site, along with the participation of Catherine and her team who help to search for signs of these elusive creatures in the wild. BIAZA’s Harvest Mouse Focus Groups are encouraging members to join these surveys on-site or in local public spaces to help track and protect this endangered species.
Discover how you can contribute to the conservation of harvest mice and help secure a future for these remarkable creatures by reading Catherine's full blog.