Look out for Mammals!

21 March 2006

From 3^rd April 2006, the Mammals Trust UK (MTUK) is asking for volunteers to be on the lookout for mammals, and signs of mammals, in their back gardens and local greenspaces. Results from the survey from previous years have shown that over three quarters of sites monitored were being used by mammals that have been defined as Species of Conservation Concern by the UK Government. These species included Hedgehogs, Bats, Brown Hares, Shrews, Red Squirrels, Otters and Water Voles.

MTUK Chief Executive, Jill Nelson, commented “These results suggest that our urban spaces are of great importance to our native mammals. We hope that more members of the public will take part in the survey in 2006 and that the presence of these exciting species on our doorstep will inspire them to get more involved.”

The survey asks for volunteers to record sightings of mammals in a greenspace within 200m of a building. All participants in the survey will receive a complete colour guide with information on how to spot mammals and their signs, which has proved very popular. Here are the top 5 signs of mammals to look out for:

· Bark stripped from tree trunks and branches by grey squirrels

· Fox dens (Earths) – foxes live in scrapes under sheds or in holes in the undergrowth

· Badger hairs – badgers regularly shed course hairs, about the length of your finger

· Stores of nuts hidden in nooks and crannies in your garden – caches of food left by mice, squirrels and other small rodents for when food is scarce

· Tops of young plants missing, having been nibbled away by rabbits

Anyone interested in taking part in the “Living with Mammals 2006” survey should contact MTUK, either by e-mail (enquiries@mtuk.org), phone (020 7498 5262), or post (Mammals Trust UK, 15 Cloisters House, 8 Battersea Park Rd, London, SW8 4BG).

European Otter (Lutra Lutra)

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