Mice working group meets in Tharandt - New impetus for a standardized monitoring

The Rodents in Forestry Working Group, which is made up of experts from forestry administrations, research and practice, met on April 2 and 3 for the "2025 Rodent Roundtable" at the Chair of Forest Protection in Tharandt. The aim of the two-day event was to further develop monitoring methods for small mammals, in particular Arvicolinae, and to legally safeguard and harmonize these methods across all German federal states.

The discussion focused on the question of how mouse populations in forests can be monitored in a legally compliant, efficient and practical manner. The Apfelreisermethode (apple shoot method) in particular was discussed intensively as a possible alternative or supplement to the currently used snap traps. However, both methods remain controversial as they have high estimation errors and are sometimes viewed critically from a legal perspective. A nationwide test of different methods was suggested in order to create comparability. 

Besides the distinction between monitoring and control, homogeneous assessment standards, clear recommendations for habitat description and legally compliant procedures were also on the agenda of the meeting.

We would like to thank our guests for the lively discussion and look forward to further developing the joint fields of work in a cooperative manner.