The Harvest Mouse Project

The harvest mouse, Micromys minutus Pallas, is our smallest and most elusive mouse. They weigh between 5 and 10 grams (1/3 oz.) and measure 50-70 mm. (2-3 ins.) in length. They have a bright orange-russet coat, and a prehensile tail which they use to maneuver about in their favored tall, dense grassland habitat. Harvest mice can weave intricate nests of grass, which they use both for shelter and for breeding.

For most of the summer they move in the upper layers of tall grass and reed, and prove very difficult to record using conventional small mammal survey techniques such as live trapping. One way to get round this is to look for the nests supported by stems above the ground. Another way is to select a suitable site, make a single small hole in a tennis-ball and suspend it 30-50 cm. above the ground, place a small amount of budgerigar seed into the ball, and wait.

We have a limited knowledge of historic sites and, more alarmingly, even less information about recent sites from where harvest mice are known. If you know of any sites, past or present, or any other information about these animals in Cheshire then please do Contact us.  

During 1999 and 2000 our Harvest Mouse Officer Rob Carthy conducted a survey of Cheshire for Harvest Mice. The survey results are very positive for this charming animal.

Harvest-mice are being bred at Chester Zoo in an attempt to provide a viable population for re-introduction into the wild. CWT are partners in this project and are currently identifying more sites which appear to have the correct mix of habitats and micro-habitats to provide these diminutive rodents with all that they need to survive and prosper. 

For up-to-date information on the Chester Zoo re-introduction read the latest report on the project.