4 March 2025
Celebrating the “Mouse of Hungary” – the endangered Hungarian Birch Mouse is selected as Mammal of the Year 2025
By Tamás Cserkész and Gábor Sramkó
This tiny rodent’s genome is currently being sequenced with support from the Biodiversity Genomics Europe project. Its selection as Hungary’s mammal of the year boosts conservation efforts for the species.
Conservation flagship species are typically chosen from among the more spectacular megafauna, with mice rarely taking the central stage. However, this is not the case in Hungary, where the Hungarian birch mouse was named the Mammal of the Year in 2025. This lesser-known, endangered species, found only in two locations within the South-Eastern European region, has its high-quality whole genome currently being assembled as part of BGE’s initiative “Enhancing Biodiversity Genomics Applications for Ongoing Case Studies” – you can learn more about the case study here.
The opening event of the “Mammal of the Year” program, organised by the Bükk National Park Directorate, took place on February 19th 2025 in Miskolc (NE Hungary). Following the official welcoming speeches, professional presentations and discussions were held. Dr. Olivér Vácz introduced the citizen-science program “Vadonleső”, which is a Hungarian implementation of community observation of native flora and fauna. Then, Péter Balázsi, a representative of the local conservation authority Bükki National Park Directorate gave an overview of the ecology and distribution of the species. Finally, Dr. Tamás Cserkész, a researcher at the Hungarian Natural History Museum and BGE case study coordinator introduced the Hungarian birch mouse conservation management plan. The plan will serve as the main official document for Hungarian nature conservation authorities to preserve this endangered species. The event was attended by 67 guests and 15 representatives of the national media.
Tamás Cserkész (Hungarian Natural History Museum) presenting the Hungarian birch mouse conservation action plan. Photo by: Gábor Csorba (HNHM)
A humorous music video about the Hungarian birch mouse, performed by the nationally known music ensemble “Kerekes Band” playing folk-funky music, premiered at the opening ceremony under the title “Mouse of Hungary”: https://youtu.be/2f3onx4VmQY?si=XQOpaSuuwC8YMSRT.
Hungarian birch mouse, Sicista trizona, Mammal of the Year 2025 in Hungary. Photo by: Tamás Szitta
Various events centred around the “Mammal of the Year” program will be held throughout the year, including open days where visitors can observe live birch mice, learn about the importance of conserving endangered species, and receive updates on the latest results from the BGE project.
The story has received considerable coverage from the Hungarian media, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in raising public awareness about native biodiversity:
Headerphoto: “Mouse of Hungary”. Photo by: Gábor Sramkó
