Saving the garden dormouse: Cologne relies on immediate protective measures!

Saving the garden dormouse: Cologne relies on immediate protective measures!

With the start of July, the focus is on an important project in Cologne that is dedicated to the decline of a native species. The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) celebrates its 106th mention in Cologne this year, thanks to the pioneering zoological work of Professor Otto Janson, who first brought the animal into the spotlight in the summer of 1919. But the situation for this charming rodent is anything but rosy. In Europe, the garden dormouse is one of the most endangered mammal species, and its population is also declining sharply in Cologne. With a clear geographical boundary through the urban area, the responsibility for conserving this species becomes clear.

In 2018, the Cologne BUND initiated the “Search for Traces of Garden Sleepers” project, which is scheduled to run until 2024. The aim is not only to protect the garden dormouse in transition areas between forest and open land, but also to promote natural habitats. In the spirit of nature conservation management, concepts are being developed to reduce previous plantings and restore natural dynamic influences. The focus is particularly on areas such as the checkerboard meadow in Heumar, the Gremberghoven gravel pit lake and the Westhovener Aue.

Monitoring and research for the protection of the garden dormouse

In order to better protect the garden dormouse, various monitoring and research measures are being taken. This includes looking after nest boxes, using camera traps and developing new detection methods such as open nest searches and bioacoustic mapping. It is particularly worth mentioning that the sounds of the garden dormouse, which can be heard on quiet summer nights, play an important role in communication. Squeaking, whistling and purring are not only expressions of territory marking, but also indications of dangerous situations - these sounds are particularly active and diverse, especially during the mating season.

Another promising research project, which is inextricably linked to the garden dormouse, was launched by the Justus Liebig University of Giessen and other institutions. This is the nationwide project “Garden dormouse in Germany”, which aims to research the reasons for the decline of this species and to develop suitable protective measures. Numerous aspects are being investigated, from genetic impoverishment to disease and the effects of climate change. This project is financially supported by the Federal Biological Diversity Program, which secures funding of around 900,000 euros for the JLU over six years.

Responsibility for our wildlife

The importance of the garden dormouse to the ecosystem and species management cannot be overstated. Germany has a special responsibility: a large part of the global population lives here. With a view to protecting 14 endangered mammal species, including not only the garden dormouse, but also wild cats and otters, the preservation of its habitats is of great value. Numerous initiatives, including the development of an emergency action program for Cologne, demonstrate the growing commitment to protecting this protected species.

In conclusion, the fate of the garden dormice lies in our hands. Through targeted information, excursions or lectures, we can all make a small contribution to ensuring that future generations in Cologne not only hear about the stories of the garden dormice, but also experience them as part of our living nature.

For detailed information about the project work and exciting news about the garden dormouse, those interested can read the articles from bund-koeln.de, mein-schoener-garten.de and uni-giessen.de visit.