Children in Devon are being invited to become citizen captive breeders, rearing harvest mice at home for wild release to help revive endangered nature. The initiative, called Wild Pets, was launched by two 14-year-old friends, Eva Wishart and Emily Smith, who successfully bred hundreds of harvest mice in their garages and released them on a local nature reserve.
What is the Wild Pets Project?
Wild Pets is a new conservation project seeking 20 Devon-based children to rear hundreds of harvest mice for release into the wild. The project aims to bolster the population of the UK's smallest native rodent, which has suffered from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification.
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Eva and Emily's own efforts have already seen harvest mice breeding again in the wild at a Devon nature reserve. Now they want to expand their impact by recruiting other young conservationists.
Why Harvest Mice Need Help
The harvest mouse is the only British mammal with a prehensile tail, which it uses to grasp grass stems. Once common in fields, meadows, and scrubland, these habitats have become scarce, leading to a decline in harvest mouse numbers.
By rearing mice at home and releasing them, children can directly contribute to the species' recovery. The project also educates young people about the extinction crisis and ecological collapse.
How to Get Involved
Children in Devon can apply to become citizen captive breeders. They will receive guidance on how to care for the mice, which are kept in tanks and require a diet of seeds, insects, and fresh vegetation. After breeding, the mice are released into suitable wild habitats.
Eva, who began breeding harvest mice at age 10, says the experience has been rewarding. "I took them to school once to do a talk when I was 10," she said. "It was the most popular I've ever been and everyone voted that we should keep them."
Benefits of Rearing Harvest Mice
- Helps restore an endangered species
- Provides hands-on conservation experience for children
- Educates about biodiversity and habitat loss
- Encourages empathy for wildlife
- Builds community among young conservationists
Comparison of Traditional Pets vs. Harvest Mice
| Aspect | Traditional Pets (e.g., hamsters) | Harvest Mice |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Companionship | Conservation and release |
| Habitat | Cages | Tanks, then wild |
| Impact on Nature | None | Positive, helps endangered species |
| Educational Value | Basic pet care | Ecology, breeding, release |
FAQ
What are harvest mice?
What are harvest mice?
Harvest mice are the UK's smallest native rodent, known for their prehensile tails and ability to climb grass stems. They are endangered due to habitat loss.
How can my child participate?
How can my child participate?
Children in Devon can apply to Wild Pets. They will receive training and support to rear harvest mice at home for later release into the wild.
Is it safe to handle harvest mice?
Is it safe to handle harvest mice?
Yes, with proper guidance. Harvest mice are delicate but non-aggressive. Children should be supervised and follow hygiene protocols.
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