First exploration of currently used pesticides in garden dormouse in the Netherlands

Authors: Ellen van Norren, Aafke Saarloos, Barbara Righetto, Nico van den Brink & Gerard Müskens

https://doi.org/10.63269/SJL6020

Abstract: The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) is classified as Critically Endangered in the Netherlands. This study investigated the exposure of garden dormice to currently used pesticides in the Netherlands by analyzing pesticide residues in brain, fur, liver and stomach tissues of five individuals. In this first exploratory assessment for garden dormouse in the Netherlands, thirteen compounds were detected, including insecticides and herbicides. The study was limited by its small sample size (n=5) and variable sample quality. Consequently, it provides a first indication of the exposure of the Dutch garden dormouse population to currently used pesticides, but no conclusions can yet be drawn regarding the extent, severity, or ecological significance of this exposure.