Hungarian birch mouse, Sicista trizona (Frivaldszky, 1865): past achievements, present status and future visions (Rodentia: Sminthidae)

Cserkész, Tamás (2020) Hungarian birch mouse, Sicista trizona (Frivaldszky, 1865): past achievements, present status and future visions (Rodentia: Sminthidae). ANNALES MUSEI HISTORICO-NATURALIS HUNGARICI, 112. pp. 229-240. ISSN 0521-4726 (print); 2786-1368 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of this review is to provide a brief summary, based on a decade and a half of intensive research, of the past and future of the rodent species currently known as the Hungarian birch mouse, Sicista trizona (Frivaldszky, 1865). The species is endemic to the Carpathian Basin and listed as Endangered by International Union for Conservation of Nature. Past evidence is reinterpreted to provide an updated perspective on the species’ probable historical distribution and to discuss expectations for the future. In addition, a brief summary of previously unpublished results is provided: vegetation surveys of the known habitats, annual census and monitoring, genetic studies, and the launch of a captive breeding programme. Ten years ago, experts working on the conservation of this species were very pessimistic about its future, but today the results of the latest surveys, having knowledge of the appropriate management techniques and new directions in the species conservation, are encouraging. If we are able to maintain the Sicista research and conservation programme based on the results, and environmental factors do not change drastically, there is a good chance that we can manage to ensure long-term protection and maintenance for the population of Hungarian birch mouse. With five figures.

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