On 19 August from 20:00, everyone interested is welcome to the Dormouse Evening to get to know the rare and mysterious dormice at Līgatne Nature Trails, accompanied by nature experts.

Visitors to the Dormouse Evening will be able to listen to stories about the habits and research of dormice in Latvia from Valdis Pilāts, a leading Latvian dormouse researcher and mammal species expert for the Nature Conservation Agency's (Agency) LIFE for Species project. Meanwhile, zoologist Zanda Segliņa will take on the role of guide, allowing visitors to get to know the edible dormice living at Līgatne Nature Trails.

There are currently three species of dormice living in Latvia: the edible dormouse, the hazel dormouse, and the forest dormouse. During the colder months of the year, they spend almost eight months in a deep sleep, burrowed into the soil or the forest floor. During their active period in the summer, dormice set up their nests in tree hollows or nesting boxes.

This year, the majority of the dormice living at Līgatne Nature Trails went to sleep very early – by the end of July – having been awake for less than two months. Such animal behaviour is extremely rare and is influenced by natural processes. Although the Līgatne dormice had access to sufficient food resources throughout the entire period they were awake, driven by natural instincts, they went to sleep due to the severe drought that prevailed throughout the beginning of the summer.

In addition to the dormice, the event's attendees will have a rare opportunity to meet those Līgatne Nature Trails inhabitants that are active at dusk and night and are less frequently seen by daytime visitors, such as beavers, badgers, and raccoon dogs.Participants are advised to dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and wear suitable footwear. We also encourage you to bring a pocket or head torch.

https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/ligatnes-dabas-takas-notiks-susuru-vakars