Our annual harvest mouse survey took place this week and was a really interesting and fun afternoon on Northam Burrows.
Annual harvest mouse survey
20 volunteers joined in as Sarah from @devonharvestmouseproject demonstrated the survey techniques and shared some info about these gorgeous little creatures.
The group headed to some of the most suitable habitat and were able to find five harvest mouse nests as well as lots of signs of field voles. It’s good to know that these tiny rodents seem to have had a successful year and there is plenty of suitable habitat to allow them to thrive. Thank you to everyone that helped with the survey.
Want to learn a little about Harvest mouse?
The harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) is one of the smallest rodents in Europe, known for its tiny size and distinctive behaviour. Here are some key points about the harvest mouse:
- Size: They are incredibly small, with adults typically measuring between 5 to 7 cm in body length, with a tail that’s about the same length. They weigh around 4 to 7 grams.
- Appearance: Harvest mice have a round body, with a golden-brown back and white underparts. Their tail is prehensile, which means they can use it to grasp vegetation as they move through plants.
- Habitat: They are found in grassy areas, reed beds, and agricultural fields where there is plenty of vegetation. They construct spherical nests high above the ground, woven from grass, which they use for sleeping and rearing young.
- Diet: Harvest mice are omnivorous, primarily feeding on seeds and insects. They also eat berries, fruits, and occasionally small invertebrates.
- Behavior: They are agile climbers, often seen scampering up stalks of grass or reeds. Unlike many mice, they are active both day and night but are particularly busy around dawn and dusk.
- Reproduction: Breeding can occur from April to October, with females capable of producing several litters a year. Each litter can have up to 8 pups, though 4 to 6 is more common.
- Conservation Status: In some regions, the harvest mouse is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss from agricultural practices. Along with urban expansion, and changes in land use. Conservation efforts include habitat management to encourage the growth of suitable nesting and feeding areas.
- Cultural Significance: Due to their diminutive size and charming nature, harvest mice are often celebrated in wildlife documentaries, literature, and by conservationists. They are a symbol of the delicate balance of nature, showing how small creatures can have significant roles in ecosystems.
