Small Terrestrial Mammals in the Three-Lakes Region – A Lecture by Michel Blant

Small terrestrial mammals account for one third of all mammal species in Switzerland. This group includes insectivores, or Eulipotyphla (shrews, moles and hedgehogs), rodents (voles, wood mice, house mice, rats, dormice and squirrels), as well as small carnivores (stoat and weasel). One third of these species are threatened and listed on the Red List.
In the Grande Cariçaie and the Grand Marais, threatened shrew species such as the Eurasian water shrew can be found. Among the rodents, a species characteristic of marshlands is widespread there: the harvest mouse. The hazel dormouse is also present along forest edges and in hedgerows. In addition to these emblematic species, a comprehensive overview will be presented, including the role these species play in ecosystems.
Criteria for species identification (tracks, nests) will also be introduced, enabling everyone to document their presence.
Recent measures aimed at improving knowledge and strengthening the protection of these mammals will also be presented.