Moles: A Endangered Species Under Stress From Climate Change
Severe weather claims the lives of an increasing number of moles
The mole, a small yet mighty creature, is facing challenges due to extreme weather, habitat loss, and human activities. Despite being protected, its population is decreasing, sparking concern amongst animal and nature conservationists.
Starting May 16, a nationwide participation action will gather data to provide more insights into the mole's current status.
Standing at an average length of 13 to 17 centimeters, the mole perceives fine vibrations, has an excellent sense of hearing and smell, and can distinguish light from dark. This solitary animal builds its tunnel system 10 to 40 centimeters below the surface and on an area of up to 5000 square meters. Compared to a soccer field, which is typically around 7000 square meters, their territory is relatively small. The mole prefers loose, frost-resistant soil and avoids marshy or sandy terrain.
Shrinking Habitat and Increased Struggle
As more areas are sealed and built upon, meadows and pastures become scarce, and fields are often treated with pesticides. This shrinking living space has detrimental effects on the mole, as it plays a significant role in the ecosystem as a natural pest controller and a food source for other animals.
The mole population is indeed declining, but it is not currently considered threatened. However, conservation organizations are urging people to take action and respect the mole's protected status by avoiding pesticides and treating their habitats with care.
The Impact of Extreme Weather
Extreme weather events, including droughts and heavy rainfalls, pose additional threats to the mole. In dry conditions, the upper soil layers harden, making it difficult for the mole to dig tunnels and reach food sources like earthworms. In wet conditions, their tunnel passages may flood, exposing them to predators or drowning them beneath the surface.
Some people resort to drastic measures to eliminate moles from their gardens, which is harmful to the animal and undesirable from a conservation perspective. Instead, gentle removal methods such as relocating moles or filling their tunnels with sand or hay should be considered.
Citizen Science to the Rescue
To gain a better understanding of mole populations, organizations like NABU, German Wildlife Foundation, and Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research have launched a citizen science project. Starting May 16, the public is invited to report mole sightings or mounds, with the goal of continuing this effort beyond 2025.
It's essential to remember that moles are not plant pests, but beneficial animals that control unwanted field mice, feed on spiders, grubs, and slugs. Laying concrete, using plastic sheets, or gravel to prevent weeds, and disturbing molehills can make life harder for these small creatures. Instead, gently spreading the earth from the mounds without damaging the grass underneath allows the mole to continue its work undisturbed.
If the mole population were to face threats in the future, captive breeding could prove challenging, as moles are a species that requires a large area and suitable soil conditions to thrive.
Did you know? During winter, moles shrink their brain in an energy-saving mode.While moles are often perceived as a nuisance in gardens, they play a crucial role in the ecosystem. It's important to respect their protected status and consider gentle removal methods when dealing with mole infestations. After all, they are not plant pests!
- To address the challenges faced by the mole, a protected species under stress from climate change, a nationwide participation action seeking mole sightings or mounds will commence on May 16, employing citizen science to help gather data about the species' current status.
- To maintain the mole population, a vital contributor to the ecosystem as a natural pest controller, conservation organizations urge people to avoid pesticides and treat their habitats with care, advocating for eco-friendly approaches to garden management rather than drastic measures that harm moles.
- In response to climate-change-induced extreme weather events affecting the mole population, developing alternative environmental-science strategies for weather-forecasting and addressing climate-change concerns may help predict and mitigate the effects on moles and other endangered species facing similar challenges.
