New report shows highs and lows of mammal conservation in Wales
By: Phil Pickin
Tags: Mammals, Nature Conservation, Wales, Conservation, Nature

Harvest Mouse

Urgent action is needed to save a third of all mammals currently at risk of extinction in Wales, The State of Mammals in Wales report has revealed.

Launched today (25 November) by the Mammal Society, the report examines for the first time in over 20 years the current situation for Wales’ species.

The report, commissioned by NRW, provides a species by species account of current population sizes and range trends as well as discussing threats and conservation opportunities. This information has been used to complete an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Listing assessment.

Based on this, we now know that across Britain a quarter of our native mammals are at risk of extinction. In Wales that number is 1 in 3.

Sam Dyer, NRW Specialist Advisor for Terrestrial Mammals said:

“This is a very comprehensive report which examines the current situation for Wales’ 49 terrestrial mammal species, and we are grateful to all those who contributed to the resulting publication. “These findings are key to our mammal conservation efforts and will underpin our decision making and targeting efforts towards those species who are at a greater risk.”

The Mammal Society has stressed the need to do more in order to sustain and create connected habitats across the country, giving mammals the ability to move easily from one area to another.

Fiona Mathews, Chair of the Mammal Society, said:

“As well as allowing other crucial ecological processes, the creation of such corridors will aid the exchange of genes that will ensure a healthy future for species such as harvest mice and water voles. If we do not take action now to reverse the fortunes for these creatures I fear it will be too late.”

The report estimates that hedgehog populations have declined by 60% since the last population estimates made in 1995. Water voles continue to be the fastest declining species and is classed as endangered; without further action water voles are likely to go extinct in Wales within our lifetimes.

The report also outlines the many success stories for mammal conservation emerging from Wales.

Current efforts to reinforce pine marten populations have been extremely successful; the country remained a stronghold for polecats when they all but disappeared from the rest of the UK; and Wales holds three focal sites for red squirrels.

There are also significant populations of greater and lesser horseshoe bats as well as colonies of rare species such as Bechstein’s and barbastelle bats. However, some species, such as water voles and harvest mice fare less well, with others, such as the wildcat having been extinct since the start of the 20th Century.

Frazer Coomber, Mammal Society Science Officer, explained that there are steps that the public can take to help mammals in Wales:

“Information is key in shaping the current situation on Wales’ mammals. That is why we have created the Mammal Mapper app that allows you to record what is out there and report sightings such as track and droppings whilst on your daily walk or on a family day out. “This data will be crucial in enabling us to assess and review our conservation efforts, allowing future generations to enjoy these special mammals for years to come.”

It is hoped that the production of this report will steer mammal conservation efforts in Wales, identifying the priorities for action required to tackle the main issues and highlight future research requirements.

The State of Mammals in Wales report is available to download from the Mammal society website, www.mammal.org.uk. Further information on mammals in your area is also available here.