Royal Society of Biology launches poll to find the favourite UK Mammal

Almost two thirds of species in the UK have declined in the past 50 years, including some of the country’s most charismatic mammals. The Royal Society of Biology has launched a poll to discover the Favourite UK Mammal.

A total of 101 mammal species can be found in and around the UK. Some of these species have suffered serious declines and require increased conservation effort.

Professor David Macdonald CBE CBiol FRSB, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at The University of Oxford said: “Mammals are special! Not only are we one of them, but their appeal and charisma make them powerful ambassadors for nature.”

“Most of the UK’s big mammals such as wolves and lynx have gone, and while we procrastinate on bringing them back, we should celebrate the 101 that remain. They are beset by all the global threats to wildlife; from disease afflicting red squirrels, hybridisation diluting wildcats to oblivion, habitat loss and invasive species blighting water voles.”

“Whether it’s in air, sea, river, land or burrow there’s a mammal to suit your tastes – but which do you prefer as your personal flagship? That’s what the RSB poll seeks to find out.”

Mammals deliver a variety of benefits to our environment. For instance, many small mammals are ecologically important because they act as prey for bird species and mammalian carnivores. Conversely large mammals may be important in the maintenance of high biodiversity habitats through the impacts of grazing.

“Each species, large or small, is a cog in nature’s system”, said Macdonald, “but whether seemingly useful to people or not, each can be treasured because it is beautiful and interesting.”

Water voles have declined dramatically in the UK, this can be attributed to the invasive American mink and a reduction in riverside habitat due to agriculture. Hedgehogs numbers have also dropped due to the influence of agricultural change.

“People act on what they care about, so it’s not just fun to explore their preferences and preconceptions, it’s useful too” said Professor Macdonald. “We already know that the global favourites are big cats, and that knowledge can mobilise conservation campaigns – so let’s find out which UK mammal people most want to champion.”

“Whichever mammal you chose, it’ll be bumping up against some inconvenient aspect of the 21st Century, and will need society’s support to prosper. For a nation that widely encourages others to protect wildlife in their communities, let us practise what we preach by nurturing the wildlife in our own backyards.”

As the Society launches the fifth annual Biology Week (8-16 October), they want to celebrate these captivating creatures by finding the UK’s favourite.

The public can vote for their Favourite UK Mammal now at: www.rsb.org.uk/UKMammalPoll

With the help of experts from The Mammal Society and People’s Trust for Endangered Species, the RSB developed a shortlist of 10 of the UK’s favourite mammal species (listed below). There are lots of other mammals we would have liked to include in our poll and all species are important. People can find out more about UK mammals and conservation projects on our website.

Each voter will have the chance to be entered into a draw to win one of five copies of Collins Field Guide to Mammals of Britain and Europe by David Macdonald and Priscilla Barrett.

Mammal enthusiasts have until National Mammal Week at the end of October to cast their vote.

Voters are encouraged to share how they selected their favourite with #UKMammalPoll.

What is the UK’s Favourite Mammal?

Water Vole

Water voles are the largest UK vole species, and are often confused with brown rats. In fact Ratty (of Wind in the Willows) was actually a water vole! Water voles are one of the UK's fastest declining mammals and used to be found in almost every waterway in England, Scotland and Wales. It is thought that they have been lost in up to 90% of these sites. Would Ratty be your favourite?

Red Squirrel

Red squirrels were once common across the UK, but since the introduction of non-native grey squirrels in the 1870s their numbers have declined. The grey squirrels have contributed to the decline through competition (better feeders) and the spread and transmission of squirrelpox virus. Is this little red rodent your choice?

Bottlenose Dolphin

Did you realise that there are dolphins in the UK? There are actually several hundred bottlenose dolphins in UK waters. Dolphins are intelligent mammals with complex social relationships. Females can even act as midwives, helping other females give birth by pushing the calf to the surface to breathe. Is this marine mammal your favourite?

Scottish Wildcat

Despite resembling tabby cats, wildcats are larger, have bushier tails and have been dubbed ‘Tigers of the Highlands’. This mammal is rare, and the UK population could be as few as 400. The biggest threat is the domestic cat, as they cross-breed with wildcats to produce fertile offspring. This compromises the genetic integrity of the species, meaning it is tricky to find a ‘pure’ wildcat. Is this elusive feline your choice?

Otter

These mammals are well adapted to their semi-aquatic life. Otters have webbed feet, streamlined bodies and a muscular tail, allowing them to swim at a speed of about one metre per second. Otters dive underwater to catch small fish and can see just as well under water as they can above it. From a distance they resemble mink, but they are in fact much larger. Do you have a soft spot for otters?

Soprano Pipistrelle

Along with common pipistrelles, soprano pips are the bats that you are most likely to see. These animals weigh about the same as a 20 pence coin, they have a fast and hectic flight as they chase insects that they consume on the wing. A single individual can consume up to 3,000 insects in one night! Are you a fan of bats?

Beaver

Beavers became extinct in the UK in the 16th century, largely due to extensive hunting for food, fur and even their scent glands. Beavers are ‘keystone species’ as they have a disproportionately large effect on the rest of the ecosystem. This can create favourable conditions for many other species to live. Small numbers of beavers have been reintroduced to the UK due to the range of benefits they provide to both wildlife and humans.

Pine Marten

The pine marten is one of the UK's rarest carnivores. These cat-sized mammals are very rare and not very well known. There are around 3,500 individuals in Scotland, but there could be fewer than 100 in England and Wales. Pine martens prefer woodland and are talented climbers, spending most of their time in trees. They can even leap up to four metres between branches! Could they be your choice?

Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are easily recognised as the only spiny mammals in Britain. They can hibernate between November and March, allowing them to save energy when food is hard to come by. Famously hedgehogs protect themselves from predators by rolling into a ball and erecting their spines. Hedgehog numbers are unfortunately declining across the UK, the greatest threat is habitat loss from agricultural change. Is this prickly mammal your choice?

Red Fox

These much maligned mammals are opportunistic and can make use of a variety of habitats. In the UK for instance, foxes have adapted very well to urban environments. Foxes hunt with keen senses of smell and hearing, and likely use the latter to find earthworms, which can make up a large portion of their diet. Will the fox be your choice?