The initiative “Wild Pets” in Devon encourages children to raise harvest mice as part of a conservation effort led by two 14-year-old friends, Eva Wishart and Emily Smith. They have already successfully bred and released hundreds of these small rodents back into the wild, reviving their population.
Harvest mice are notable for being the UK’s smallest native rodent, equipped with a prehensile tail that helps them navigate their grassy habitats, which have declined due to agricultural practices. The founders aim to enlist 20 children aged 8 to 13 for them to breed mice at home, with all necessary supplies and training provided.
This project not only aims to help mitigate the extinction crisis but also empowers young people, offering them a sense of responsibility and the satisfaction of making a difference. Support comes from various organizations, and there’s hope to expand this concept to include other native species in the future.
