Conserving the hazel dormouse

Hazel dormice have disappeared from half of their former range in the last 100 years due to habitat destruction and fragmentation. Natural England has produced a Species Action Plan that describes the problems facing the dormouse and actions for its conservation. Paignton Zoo became involved with this project in 2000 and works with a range of institutions involved with breeding dormice. Each year dormice are bred at Paignton Zoo for release at designated sites. Between 2001 and 2007 138 dormice were released from Paignton Zoo into six sites around the UK. Monitoring shows that they have bred successfully in the wild. By supporting this project your money will help with the breeding of dormice at the Zoo.

Annual project cost: £6,000

Cirl bunting conservation

Cirl buntings are charming relatives of the yellowhammer that live in fields and hedges. These birds were once widespread across southern Britain but their population collapsed during the 1970’s due to changes in agricultural practices which led to habitat destruction and loss of food sources. The remaining pairs are now mostly confined to south Devon. Since 2006 Paignton Zoo has worked with the RSPB on a translocation project releasing cirl buntings at suitable sites in Cornwall. Up to 70 birds have been released each year and many pairs have successfully bred in their new location indicating that this should be a very successful project. Your money will go towards the cost of rearing and releasing cirl buntings.

Annual project cost: £8,000

Protecting Devon nature reserves

The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, the zoos’ parent body, owns and manages three nature reserves. Primley Meadow and Clennon Gorge are adjacent to Paignton Zoo and contain locally important habitats such as flower rich calcareous grassland and ancient woodland which support several rare species. The importance of Clennon Gorge has been recognised through its designation as a County Wildlife Site. The National Nature Reserve at Slapton Ley was purchased in 1923 and consists of 211 hectares of freshwater lakes, surrounding reed beds and woodland, plus 10 hectares of additional grazing land. The reserve has a rich fauna and flora including several nationally threatened species. Important species include otter, Cetti’s warbler and strapwort, a plant species found nowhere else in the UK. Suitable habitat for the large blue butterfly is being recreated on part of the reserve using wild thyme grown at Paignton Zoo and we hope to reintroduce this rare butterfly very soon. Your money will help support the management of all these reserves for the benefit of local wildlife.

Annual project cost: £90,000

Please click here to see other UK Conservation projects we are involved with.