The Ministry of Agriculture pays special attention to the protection of the Hungarian grasshopper mouse

(Photo: AM/István Fekete)

The Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture drew attention to the fact that the Hungarian grasshopper mouse, contrary to its name, is only distantly related to common mice. The species is also unique in its behavior and lifestyle: unlike mice, it hibernates, reproduces once a year, and most of its food consists of insects. The species, which was once widespread and characterized by a black stripe on its back, has been significantly reduced in the past century and a half due to the disappearance of its habitats, and today its small population is known only in Borsodi-Mezőség.

The preservation of the species places a great responsibility on Hungarian researchers and nature conservation experts, as its survival depends solely on their work

To this end, their task is to explore the environmental needs of the rodent, identify the threatening factors, and develop and implement a professional plan for conservation, all within tight time frames – he added. Bertalan Balczó emphasized that the message of environmental protection should reach everywhere and that people should understand that every small creature counts in the balance of nature. Events promoting the Hungarian grasshopper – including themed galas, creative competitions for children and field programs, such as the Grasshopper Day held in Borsodi-Mezőség – contribute to the fact that broad segments of society understand the importance of protecting the small rodent and its habitat. Thanks to the title of Mammal of the Year, the Hungarian grasshopper has received national attention this year, and more than ten thousand works have been submitted for the competitions announced within the framework of the program.

AM