A combination of disease, agriculture, human activity and climate change is putting some of Britain’s best-loved and most threatened wildlife into further decline, according to an annual review published by Mammals Trust UK.

Among the survey’s most startling findings is the as-yet-unexplained decline – by as much as 40 per cent in some areas – of the UK’s populations of grey and harbour seals in all colonies except those along the west coast of Scotland. Hedgehogs also suffered a significant decline between 2001 and 2005, when their numbers dropped 20 per cent as a result of increasing urbanisation. Brown and mountain hares, as well as the harvest mouse, Scottish wildcat and red squirrel are also identified as being in decline.

On a positive note, the report found that otter numbers are recovering from a noticeable decline during the latter half of the 20th century and that some of Britain’s rarest bat species may actually be benefiting from climate change.

The report also assessed the question of reintroducing species that have long since disappeared from our shores, acknowledging that while there’s a need for more research, there’s a strong case for bringing back mammals such as the wolf, lynx, wild boar and beaver.


February 2008