Animals


For bats and the hazel dormouse, habitat loss is the main threat, while the water vole, red squirrel and Orkney vole suff er from the combined eff ects of habitat degradation and the introduction of non-native species. “T is is a wake-up call, but it is


not too late to act,” says Natural England Chair Tony Juniper. “We are working with our partners to recover our threatened and widely loved mammals, including licensing the reintroduction of beavers into England, and supporting the recovery of dormice and the grey, long-eared bat, but there is so much more to do. “Central to the recovery of these and


other creatures will be the protection and restoration of large areas of suitable habitat, including through the creation of a vibrant and wildlife-rich Nature Recovery Network, enabling populations of rare animals to increase and be reconnected with one another.” T e charity says that reintroductions


can off er hope for some species. For example, local reintroductions of beavers have been successful, with the animals readily breeding in the wild. Translocations of pine martens


from Scotland - where over 98 per cent of the British population is found - have boosted populations in Wales. However, these animals will only cease to be classifi ed as threatened once their populations are much larger and better connected. Unfortunately, for most other


species, reintroductions are not a solution because the causes of their declines have not been rectifi ed. Instead, fundamental change is needed in the way landscapes are managed and future developments planned, to allow space and habitat needed for wildlife to thrive. You can help keep an eye on


Britain’s mammals using the Mammal Society’s free Mammal Mapper www.mammal.org.uk/volunteering/ mammal-mapper/


21 www.jimmysfarm.com


hazel dormouse


pine mar ten


beaver


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