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While the hazel dormouse has faced a significant struggle for survival across the United Kingdom, a notable success story is emerging from the Killerton estate in Devon. Managed by the National Trust, this location has become a sanctuary for these small mammals, which are currently thriving despite a grim national outlook. Recent statistics indicate that since the year 2000, the UK’s dormouse population has plummeted by over two-thirds, making the stability found at Killerton even more remarkable. According to experts, habitat fragmentation is the leading cause of this widespread decline. This phenomenon occurs when natural landscapes are divided into isolated patches, preventing wildlife from moving freely or accessing sufficient food. To combat this at Killerton, rangers have focused on creating a well-connected environment. Since 2018, the team has monitored the population using one hundred nest boxes and has actively planted hedges and trees to ensure the mice can traverse the estate safely. Fi Hailstone, a senior ranger, emphasizes the importance of a resilient ecosystem. Dormice are shy, nocturnal animals that depend heavily on bramble bushes. While often viewed as a nuisance by gardeners due to their rapid growth, brambles offer essential food and shelter from predators. A healthy environment allows the mice to reach an ideal weight of twenty to forty grams, providing them with the energy reserves needed to endure the winter months. As temperatures fall below ten degrees Celsius, dormice enter hibernation. However, climate change poses a serious threat to this process. Unexpectedly warm winter weather can cause the mice to wake prematurely, exhausting their energy supplies. Additionally, excessive rainfall in spring makes foraging difficult. Consequently, conservationists argue that maintaining existing woodlands effectively is as crucial as establishing new ones. The public is advised to exercise caution; if a hibernating dormouse is discovered, it must not be handled. instead, individuals should contact the RSPCA or a local animal shelter. This success at Killerton demonstrates that with careful environmental management, it is possible to reverse the negative trends affecting our native wildlife.

1. What is the main point of the article?

• A.To explain why dormice are becoming extinct across the world.
• B.To highlight a successful local conservation effort despite a national decline.
• C.To provide instructions on how to care for dormice in domestic gardens.
• D.To criticize the National Trust for their management of Devon estates.

2. According to the text, how does habitat fragmentation affect dormice?

• A.It forces them to hibernate earlier than usual.
• B.It helps them find more diverse food sources in isolated areas.
• C.It prevents them from moving between areas to find food.
• D.It encourages them to live closer to human settlements.

3. What can be inferred about the impact of climate change on dormice?

• A.Warmer winters are beneficial as they prevent the mice from freezing.
• B.Wet springs are the only major concern for the rangers.
• C.It disrupts their hibernation cycle, leading to potential energy loss.
• D.It has caused the mice to stop eating brambles altogether.

4. What is the author’s attitude towards bramble bushes?

• A.They are considered a nuisance that should be removed from all estates.
• B.They are vital components of a healthy ecosystem for dormice.
• C.They are only useful if they are kept in small, controlled areas.
• D.They are the primary cause of habitat fragmentation in Devon.

5. In the context of the article, what does the word ‘resilient’ mean?

• A.Able to quickly return to a previous good condition.
• B.Extremely large and covering a wide geographical area.
• C.Difficult to manage or control by rangers.
• D.Only active during the night hours.