Harvest mouse  (Micromys minutus)

The harvest mouse is susceptible to changes in land use; combine harvesting, burning of stubbles, ploughing, hedge trimming or removal and the use of pesticides all impact on this species (5). Climate change and flooding are also likely to pose a threat (5).

This species is not currently legally protected in the UK. Chester Zoo is coordinating a captive breeding and reintroduction programme in the county of Cheshire, in order to reinforce populations in that area. This well-managed captive population provides a safety net for Britain's wild harvest mice, and has enabled successful husbandry and captive breeding methods to be devised. Should the species become threatened in the future, these techniques will be essential in maintaining the species, and the captive population will provide a source of reintroductions to the wild (6).