Species protection for the Hazel dormouse
Muscardinus avellanarius
The hazel dormouse is closely tied to habitats rich in woody vegetation and structural diversity, and is strictly protected under Annex IV of the FFH Directive. Interventions in woodland, woodland edges, hedgerows and scrub trigger the access prohibitions of § 44 BNatSchG. greeNature plans and delivers technically sound CEF and FCS measures that permanently secure the ecological function of the affected habitats.
The Hazel dormouse at a glance
- Habitat: Open, species-rich deciduous and mixed woodland with a well-developed, flower-rich shrub layer, plus woodland edges and structurally rich hedgerows. Stands with many fruit-bearing woody species (hazel, bramble, hawthorn, elder) are optimal.
- Way of life: Nocturnal climber, builds spherical nests in shrubs and tree cavities, hibernates on the ground roughly from October to April.
- Threat status: Red List Germany and Bavaria both near threatened (V). Conservation status in the continental region unfavourable to inadequate, affected above all by habitat loss and isolation.
- Protection status: Strictly protected species under Annex IV of the FFH Directive and § 7 BNatSchG, prohibitions under § 44 BNatSchG, exemptions only under the conditions of § 45 BNatSchG.
- Typical measure: Advance habitat enhancement (CEF), connection of woody structures, and installation of nest tubes and nest boxes in the replacement habitat.
Typical protective measures for the Hazel dormouse
Enhancing the shrub layer
Building up a species-rich and flower-rich shrub layer from native, fruit-bearing woody plants such as hazel, bramble, hawthorn and elder. The aim is a continuous supply of food sources throughout the entire active period and dense, climbable structures (CEF).
Connecting woody vegetation
Creating and adding to hedgerows, woodland edges and wooded corridors, so that isolated partial habitats are reconnected. Continuous canopy contact is established across open areas and along paths, since wide gaps without canopy closure act as a barrier (CEF).
Increasing shelter availability
Deploying nest tubes and nest boxes in the replacement habitat, so that the animals find suitable shelters in spring after hibernation. This measure has a comparatively short-term effect and complements the longer-term habitat development (CEF).
Developing replacement habitat
Where habitat loss cannot be avoided, a functionally equivalent replacement habitat is developed. Newly created, separate habitats require sufficiently large, contiguous areas of woody vegetation and a secured connection to existing populations, so that recolonisation can succeed (CEF).
Securing woodland complexes
Retaining contiguous, unfragmented woodland with old and dead wood, promoting open stand structures through coppice and coppice-with-standards elements, and long-term legal and management security, in order to stabilise the conservation status of the local population (FCS).
The Hazel dormouse in these natural regions
All about the Hazel dormouse
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