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MAMMALwww..org.uk NEWSAutumn 2012 • Issue 164

Pine martEn - capercaillie conflict • DNA techniques on squirrels

MammalRehab News Autumn for 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk • NEWP • Bison in Britain • and people in the News Contents Geoffroy’s bat discovered, in the UK, for the first time by a Mammal 03 Mammal matters Society member A species of bat normally found in continental 04 Mammal Atlas Europe – the Geoffroy’s bat – has been identified in the UK for the first time ever on Survey News National Trust land in West Sussex. 05 Mammal Society member and Ecologist Daniel Whitby was conducting surveys in early September when he caught a 06 Conference News male Geoffroy’s bat (Myotis emarginatus), a small species which weighs 08 from 6-9 g and has woolly fur with a foxy red tint to it. Pine Marten-Capercaillie Daniel said: “It was a real surprise to catch this bat. Geoffroy’s bat is 08 Conflict nicknamed the Notch-eared bat because it has a distinctive notch in the top part of its ear. From this and other identification features; I quickly realized what an interesting bat I was holding”. 10 DNA Toolbox for squirrel surveys Scotland’s Most Wanted In July, Scottish Natural Heritage’s Wildlife 12 Otters: Born to be wild – Operation Unit responded swiftly to a report of rehab to release 2 Muntjac deer seen in a forest plantation near Sanguhar. Despite 4 weeks monitoring, using 14 NEWP: The Natural 10 night vision binoculars and remotely operated Environment White Paper trail cameras, no further sightings occurred. Muntjac deer have spread rapidly across England and Wales over the past 40 years 16 Bison in Britain Muntjac. Photograph by and caused extensive crop, and road safety Chris Knights @ Mail Online problems. They are one of the most destructive 18 Badgers and People: pests in Britain and have a highly detrimental current conflicts and a effect on young trees and coppiced woodland. These small deer are troubled history now expanding northward, but so far they have not become established in Scotland. If Scotland did have to manage an established Munjtac population, SNH has estimated the costs would be up to £2 million a year. 20 Mammal Training SNH’s Wildlife Management office continues to ask land owners and deer 12 managers to remain vigilant and shoot any Muntjac deer on sight. Muntjac, Membership Matters as a non-native species, are not subject to statutory seasons set out within 21 the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996. Deer managers are now required by law to report any sightings to the SNH Wildlife Operations Unit as soon as 22 Book Reviews they occur. Anyone with any information on Muntjac deer in Scotland may contact SNH on 01463 725365 or e-mail [email protected]. 23 Mammal Encounters Human-Seal Conflict On the 7th June, staff arriving at the Dingle Wildlife and Seal Sanctuary discovered heads of a common seal and a nailed to the entrance. This came in the wake of fishermen’s 16 claims of increasing damage caused by seals. This sad event may be the action of a single person or small group but will have a negative impact on the wider area and economy. Dingle Common seal, is internationally famous as the home of Fungie, vitulina. Photograph: Rex the bottlenose dolphin and the DWSS is a Features @ The Guardian major tourist attraction. The Irish Seal Sanctuary is working with the Industry and scientists in attempting to resolve conflicts between fishermen and seals. While still seeking a reduction in seal numbers the Irish Fish Producers Organisation have condemned this illegal action as totally irresponsible as it only brings the fishing industry into disrepute. 18

Officers of the Mammal Society MAMMAL NEWS is published by: President: Dr Derek Yalden The Mammal Society, 3 The Carronades, New Road, Southampton SO14 0AA Chairman: Dr Johnny Birks t: 02380 237874 e: [email protected] www.mammal.org.uk Vice Chair: Adam Grogan Registered Charity No. 278918 Chief Executive: Marina Pacheco Editor: Hilary Conlan. Contributions to the next issue of Mammal News Hon Secretary: Kate Williamson should be sent to the above address or email: [email protected] Hon Treasurer: Abigail Bunker Conference Secretary: Dr Elizabeth Chadwick Print & Design: Impress 01536 462888 Cover image: European Bison, photo by INS New Forest

The opinions and points of view expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of The Mammal Society or the Editor. Advertisements for services, products and other organisations in this journal are accepted in good faith. However, The Mammal Society gives no guarantees or endorsements of the services, products and other organisations nor that the advertisers will fulfil their obligations or claims. All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers. While every effort is made to ensure that Mammal News is published on the stated date and all advertisements and advertising matter appear correctly and in the issue requested, The Mammal Society cannot guarantee this and bookings are therefore accepted on this understanding. The Mammal Society cannot accept responsibility for transparencies or other contributions submitted on a speculative basis.

2 Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk Mammal Matters

The aim of Mammal Notes is to disseminate short articles of useful Marina Pacheco CEO, The Mammal Society, research on new techniques and [email protected] observations on mammals.

Those of you who visit our web pages Notes shortly with new guidance and possibly For those of you who prefer your information regularly will hopefully have seen quite a a new name. The aim of Mammal Notes is to in a paper based format, I’m pleased to change recently. We’ve been updating the disseminate short articles of useful research announce the publication of two new books, site, to be able to provide more for our on new techniques and observations on Squirrels by Gurnell, Lurtz and Wauters members. The site content is still being mammals. Could you come up with a more updating all we know about squirrels in finalised so if you find some things are catchy or descriptive name than Mammal Europe, and BAP Mammals: Interim Guidance missing, don’t worry they will be back shortly. Notes? If so, then please let us know. for Survey Methodologies, Impact Assessment We are also experimenting with new ways The Mammal Atlas is progressing well, we and Mitigation (more on page 22) a useful of laying out information to make it easier, now have verifiers covering most of the publication for anyone carrying out surveys on hopefully, to find what you are looking for. country, but do have a few gaps so are these BAP mammals; be that for research or Please do let us know what you think of the searching for Mammal Recorders. If you as a consultant. Having said they’re in a paper website and where we can improve. haven’t heard from us, and you are a Mammal form, you can already get The Hedgehog I would like to thank Dawn Scott for all the Recorder, it means we haven’t got your by Pat Morris on Kindle, and BAP Mammals great work she’s done establishing Mammal contact details, so please do get in touch. We and Squirrels will soon follow. Our new social Notes and acting as its first editor. Dawn is are also working to have online maps with the media and publications intern be working on now stepping down from this role and I am records that have come in available for anyone getting the rest of our back catalogue onto delighted to announce that John Gurnell has to see. At the moment people can only see both Kindle and iBooks. agreed to become the new editor, welcome the map once they’ve entered a record which aboard John. We’ll be relaunching Mammal is somewhat limiting.

Note from The Editor I am hoping that when you receive this issue we are enjoying a bit of an Indian summer after such a wet start. You will see some changes have been made to the design and magazine layout. I would very much like to receive your thoughts and suggestions on the changes. Please Hilary Conlan send them to the editor’s email. Editor Correction: Some of you may be wondering about the “new” species mentioned in last issue, The Mammal Society in the Spring Conference Review. However, Ian Montgomery was discussing the greater white- [email protected] toothed shrew and not as we stated, a greater white tailed shew.

Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk 3 New Mammal Atlas: Focus on Fallow Deer Dama dama All the deer have been expanding their the similar-sized Sika, is always difficult to ranges since the 1993 atlas was published establish confidently. Even sightings can be and comparing the two maps here provides uncertain – dark morph Fallow Deer, seen some indication of this. Where there were briefly, can look like winter Sika, and the very few deer in Wales then (Fallow were spotted coats of both in summer can also in about 31 hectads, Roe in 7, Red in 4, cause confusion if the deer are poorly seen. Sika absent), Fallow Deer are now close to With regular sightings, of course, they are ubiquitous. However, the recent map suggests easy to distinguish, not only by sight but also, a retreat in South West England, Yorkshire in autumn, by the very different sounds that and, especially, in Scotland, which is surely rutting bucks produce. Both the grunting of Records for Fallow deer (Dama dama) in Great a matter of records not being entered, rather a Fallow buck and the whistle of a Sika are Britain and Ireland between 1960 and 1999. than Fallow Deer not being present. So there very memorable. © Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey [100017955] is plenty to attract the attention of active If Fallow Deer are not recorded for your local recorders. The map published by Alastair hectads, check the boundaries of woodland Ward in 2005 (Mammal Review 35:168) for tracks of them leaving to feed in adjacent highlighted the expansion of range in North farmland in the evening, and returning to lie Wales, East Midlands and parts of Scotland up in the woodland at dawn. Revisit promising (Perthshire, Argyll, Galloway), which has areas towards dusk, in the hope of seeing probably continued. We need to prove it. them doing so. Make contact with local estate This is a species where sightings are workers or foresters. Especially, make sure the needed, but at dusk or dawn Fallow Deer records get into the local (county?) recorder are usually reasonably easy to spot. Signs and are passed on to NBN. are questionable. Both slots and droppings Good hunting! may indicate that deer are present, but being certain that they are Fallow Deer, rather than D. W. Yalden

Mammals are desperately under-recorded in the British Isles. Through the National Mammal Atlas Project (NMAP), we are working with county mammal recorders and local record centres to verify records and collate data for the first national mammal atlas in over 20 years. But importantly we need you to submit mammal records to the project, either online at www.mammal.org.uk/nmap or via your county recorder. 10km squares with records for Dama dama (Fallow deer) in Great Britain and Ireland, 2000 to 2012 © Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Louise Sleeman, Atlas Intern, [email protected]. Survey [100017955]

This map is courtesy of the NBN Gateway and includes information from a large number of data providers. The full list of data providers is too long to list here, but can be found on the NBN Gateway at the following link http:// data.nbn.org.uk/gridMap/gridMap.jsp?allDs=1&src hSpKey=NHMSYS0000080207* The NBN and its data contributors no responsibility for the further analysis or interpretation of this material, data and/or information.

Fallow deer. Photograph by Brian Phipps

4 Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk The Mammal Society Survey Programme Updates This year the Mammal Society has begun programme and are continuing to look for developing a full calendar of surveys that exciting new developments to our surveys new volunteers to join us. This year we have includes all terrestrial mammals. We would like programme, to not only increase participation, extended our coverage of volunteers across to create a more thorough survey programme, but the range of surveys we run and the the country, confirming new tetrads in northern developing methodologies for riparian, mammals we survey, to help fill the gaps in our Scotland and the south west of Wales. woodland and farmland mammals, at different knowledge of mammals. We appreciate that volunteers give up their times of the year, giving the volunteers a On the 1st of September, our Mini Mammal valuable time to help this project and we fantastic opportunity to survey a wide range Monitoring Scheme started again, with would like to make the scheme easier and of species. These surveys also have an September’s survey being Low Density Live more accessible to as many people as overarching aim of substantially increasing the Trapping. October’s survey is the Bait Tube possible. To that end, we have simplified how amount of information available on mammal Survey and DNA Kits are now available in the sites are allocated, so instead of having to populations, which will support our National online shop at www.mammal.org.uk/shop. choose one of three random sites, anywhere Mammal Atlas Project in creating a mammal atlas for the first time in over 20 years. The scheme, which began in 2009, has been up to 10km away from their location of choice, a success for the Society with volunteers the volunteer can choose sites adjacent to collecting valuable population and distribution their original focus for site selection. Richard Austin, Surveys Intern data for small mammals across the country. Survey strategy into the future [email protected] We have sustained a small core of committed The Mammal Society is currently looking at volunteers since the beginning of the

Welcome to our new Media & Publications Intern Anna

My love for the outdoors began at an early increase public awareness and engage people age when eating mud, rock pooling and from all backgrounds about the worth of our making holes in my clothes! At the age of 21 natural world. As the new media intern for The this has now matured into a genuine passion Mammal Society my role is to help increase for global environmental issues and species our online profile on social media platforms conservation. I have recently graduated such as Twitter and Facebook. For the next from Exeter University where I spent 3 years 6 months I will be helping to develop the studying Conservation Biology and Ecology. charity’s communications strategy and assist During my degree I was lucky enough to with the marketing of its publications. I have explore the Cornish coast, Northern Scotland, lots of projects to get stuck into and I am the Isles of Scilly and South Africa where already thoroughly enjoying working within a I learnt first hand about some incredible busy team of mammal enthusiasts! habitats and ecosystems. As well as gaining an appreciation for wildlife, I have also become Media & Publications Intern increasingly aware of the value of people Anna Rogers, [email protected] within conservation. I am determined to help Christmas publication offers TMS Shop New BAP Mammal Mammals of The British All 10 of our Guidance FREE Isles Handbook Species Guides POSTAGE & MULTI-BUY The Mammal Society and The Handbook is well established as the For only £29.50 plus PACKAGING Cresswells brought experts classic reference source detailing the biology, p & p £2.95*. 25% WORTH DISCOUNT together to produce and £2.95* ecology and conservation of every mammal Publications included in this publish new survey guidelines occurring in Britain and Ireland. An essential offer are: Bats, Pine Marten, for 8 UK BAP species, 7 of reference for all who need it: from students, Water Shrew, Squirrels, which were added to the priority list in 2007. academics and ecologists, to planners, Brown Hare, , , Hedgehog, Essential for ecologists conservationists and naturalists. Dormouse and & . and those working with Total Value worth £39.50. these species, it covers survey methodologies, Impact Assessment and mitigation. FREE POSTAGE & £19.90 or only £15 PACKAGING for members. WORTH £9.00*

*Only available on orders placed before 2pm on Thursday 13th December 2012. Please note although we cannot guarantee delivery in time for Christmas we will endeavour to do our best.

Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk 5 Events News The Mammal Society’s Autumn Regional Seminar 2012 11th November, Newbattle Abbey College, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 3LL There are still spaces available for this event in the beautiful surroundings of Newbattle Abbey College, delivered in conjunction with Lothian and Borders Mammal Group. The day will include talks from Andy Riches Lothians and Borders of Scottish Badgers, Roisin Campbell-Palmer of RZSS and Johnny Birks covering topics such as dealing with Mammal Group (LaBMaG) wildlife crime, Red Squirrels, Pine Martens and the Scottish Beaver Trial and much, much more. Prices: Non member £30 / Mammal Society member £25 / All students £20 Please note, these prices include tea/coffees and lunch but not accommodation. Book your place now at www.mammal.org.uk/shop or call us on 023 8023 7874

Hurry - Only 4 weeks left to book!

11th International Mammalogical Congress Queen’s University, Belfast, 11th-16th August 2013

IMC is held every four years and attracts over University of Belfast but the host society is The We will be posting information about plenary 1000 mammalogists working in universities Mammal Society and both the UK and Ireland speakers and symposia etc from now on but and research institutes and for government are the host countries. details of accommodation and registration and conservation bodies from around the Queen’s University was originally a college of will require a little longer to finalise. Calls for world. The provisional programme of IMC11 the University of Ireland founded in 1845 with papers and posters and registration will be comprises 6 plenary speakers, and over 40 Cork and Galway. IMC11 will be based around early in 2013. symposia and workshops. Each symposium the central site of Queen’s making use of the We would also like to hear from postgraduate will be made up of 10 Lanyon Building. We have over 12 students working on mammals from any or more spoken papers lecture theatres and rooms (60-250 institution in the UK and Ireland, who would be on a theme which may seats) around this site, a 1200 seater willing to assist at the registration desk and in be process based, auditorium and various additional the lecture rooms at Queen’s during the event. e.g. reproductive space which will add greatly to We are particularly keen to see a strong strategies, or deal IMC11. For example, we hope to run turnout among early career mammalogists with a particular issue a photographic competition in the who would benefit from making international e.g. wildlife- MacNaughton Gallery and to make contacts with potential collaborators and interactions, or use of the Queen’s Film Theatre to identifying possible career opportunities. We taxonomic group, show mammalogical blockbusters. are hoping to provide around 40 student e.g. rodent social The logo of IMC11 is a stylised volunteers with the opportunity of participating behaviour. Symposia Irish hare against a background fully in the congress at an affordable rate. will be supported by poster sessions. of a lunula, a thin, crescent-shaped, golden Contact [email protected] to The scientific programme is the responsibility plate worn by an elite stratum of society record your interest and we will keep you of the Scientific Committee made up of well during Neolithic times in parts of Europe and informed about what may be on offer with known researchers from throughout the world especially Ireland. This reflects the theme of respect to financial support in return for but primarily the UK, Ireland and the rest of human and wild mammal interactions which helping to run IMC11. Europe. The Scientific Committee is chaired occur throughout the scientific programme. (Above) IMC11 Logo designed by MJ Montgomery by Tim Clutton-Brock, Cambridge. The The Irish hare has been in Ireland since before responsibility of delivering IMC falls on the the last glacial maximum, and is distinct from The Lanyon Building Local Organising Committee, chaired by Ian Scottish or other mountain hares. It is strongly at Queen’s University Montgomery based at Queen’s. Catherine influenced by agricultural intensification and O’Reilly is the Mammal Society representative also climatic change and has a complex of the LOC. relationships with people at once revered in The event has four ‘working’ days with a half Irish culture, but also used in hare coursing. and one day tours on the middle day to allow It is hoped that IMC11 will be the largest more informal networking and opportunities and most diverse ever with regard to to visit areas of interest e.g. Giant’s Causeway subject matter and origin of delegates. We and Bushmills distillery. This is the first encourage all those with interests in the time the congress has been held in Europe biology of mammals, and their conservation since 1989. IMC11 will be held at Queen’s and management, to visit the IMC11 website.

6 Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk The Mammal Society’s Spring Conference 2013 XFI Building – The University of Exeter, 20th-21st April 2013

Our Spring Conference, this year supported by Devon Mammal Group, acts as a forum where mammal experts and enthusiasts can meet in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, hear the results of new research and conservation work, and discuss issues. We will have a keynote lecture on both days of the conference this year. Devon Mammal Due to the limited number of spaces available, we are restricting bookings to Group members only until 31st October 2012. Additionally, we can only guarantee accommodation for bookings made before 20th December, after which it will be available on a first come first served basis. As a result, we strongly advise booking as early as you can onto the event. The Cranbrook Lecture, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Friday 19th April at the same venue and will be delivered by Dr Pat Morris.

Member Prices: Saturday day – including Teas & Coffees and Lunch - £85 Sunday day – including Teas & Coffees and Lunch - £85 Conference Dinner and Entertainment – £35 Full conference package inc. Saturday night accommodation - £185 Additional night’s accommodation: On Friday 19th and Sunday 22nd April – £40 per night To assist members in spreading the cost of attendance, we are offering the option to pay for attendance over 3 monthly payments (the final payment being in March). Please call the office on 023 80237874 to arrange this.

Call for Papers: The deadline for submission of abstracts for papers or posters is 31st October 2012. Further information on submission requirements, the format for abstracts, student bursaries and prizes are available at www.mammal.org.uk/conference. Alternatively, you can contact Liz Chadwick, the Scientific Programme Coordinator, for more information via [email protected] or 02920 874046.

Notice of the 59th Annual General Meeting of The Mammal Society – 20th April 2013 The Annual General Meeting Nomination for Council Members for the Mammal Society will be held on Saturday 20th April 2013 at 2.15pm in The Officers of Council: The President and all officers The name of each full member so nominated, XFI Building, The University must retire each annual meeting. All are offering together with the names of his proposer and of Exeter, Streatham Court, themselves for immediate re-election. seconder, shall be sent in writing to the Secretary Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4ST. Ordinary members of Council: 2 members of of the Society at least fourteen days before the Annual General Meeting”. Any members wishing to have Council are due to retire in April 2013. Both have an item on the agenda for the offered themselves for re-election. Nominations for Officer of Council duly proposed AGM are requested to notify the A reminder for The Mammal Society Articles of and seconded in writing and countersigned by Honorary Secretary in writing no Association “Any two members (of The Mammal nominee should be sent to: later than 9th March 2013. Society) shall be at liberty to nominate any other The Honorary Secretary, The Mammal Society, full member to serve as a member of the Council. 3 The Carronades, New Road, Southampton, The proposer shall ascertain that the person SO14 0AA. nominated by him is willing to be so nominated. Or emailed to [email protected].

Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk 7 Pine Marten-Capercaillie Conflict Should pine martens in Scotland be culled?

Dr Fiona Mathews, University of Exeter

The pine marten Martes martes is one Britain’s The capercaillie in Britain The survival, breeding success and rarest and most elusive mammals. After productivity of capercaillie populations are The capercaillie is a cold-adapted, ground- years of persecution and progressive loss of influenced by many factors. Of these, the nesting bird of the boreal forest zone and its woodland habitat, the species came near most important appear to be habitat and mountain ranges of northern and north- to in the early 1900s, clinging on weather. Woodlands that are small and eastern Eurasia. It is dependent on primarily in the remote Highlands of north- fragmented, and those with shrub layers forests with an open canopy, a rich internal west Scotland. Recognising its perilous state, heavily browsed by structure and a dense strong protection is now given to the pine deer, may not support ground cover in which marten under both British and European law. This survey found no successful breeding Vaccinium shrubs are Over recent years, it has begun to make a attempts. In addition, abundant. Pine martens slow comeback. The best populations remain evidence to suggest wetter Junes, part of and capercaillie have co- in the traditional Highland strongholds, but a long-term weather existed across northern that pine martens there is evidence of some recolonisation of trend in Scotland, Europe for 12,000 other parts of its former range: anecdotal are impacting upon adversely affect the years; across its range, reports of its spread in Scotland have been survival of chicks. It capercaillie populations capercaillie breeding supported by this summer’s pine marten is also thought that breed successfully in the survey by The Vincent Wildlife Trust and winter disturbance by presence of pine martens success Scottish Natural Heritage. Small populations skiers and hill walkers and a range of other exist in England and Wales, and there has may affect adult predators. However, the conservation status been a successful reintroduction to Galloway survival. Mortality has also been caused by of the capercaillie in Britain is particularly poor. Forest in south-west Scotland. collisions with deer fences (many of which Following its extinction in Britain and Ireland were installed in an attempt to reduce deer The pine marten is a natural predator of the in about 1770 (probably due to the combined browsing which was degrading capercaillie eggs and chicks of the charismatic capercaillie effects of deforestation and over-hunting), habitat). Finally, predation of eggs and Tetrao urogallus. This ground-nesting bird, the capercaillie was reintroduced to Scotland chicks by , corvids and other predators the largest member of the family, is, in 1837, using Swedish stock. It thrived in influences breeding success. Substantial like the pine marten, of great conservation central, north and north-east Scotland until effort has been invested by land managers concern. Again like the pine marten, it is the mid-1970s, but then began a sustained in habitat management and predator control legally protected in Britain, and is a UK decline that now threatens the survival of the (especially of foxes and crows) to conserve the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species. capercaillie in Britain for the second time. A capercaillie population in north-east Scotland. Unlike the pine marten, which seems to be survey in Scotland in 2009 suggested that in the early stages of recovery, capercaillie the population had fallen to 1,268 birds; this populations are in steady decline. Proposals is 36% lower than the previous estimate in Pine marten conservation have therefore been made by the Scottish 2003/04. Currently, about three-quarters of Gamekeepers’ Association for licensed culls the capercaillie population is found in forests The pine marten is a native carnivore that of pine martens in selected areas in order to in Badenoch and Strathspey in north-east mainly occupies wooded habitats, where it promote capercaillie conservation. In view Scotland. takes a wide range of food including small of the pine marten’s peripheral role in the rodents, birds, invertebrates and fruit. The capercaillie’s decline, The Mammal Society is are long-lived and solitary; they breed extremely concerned about these proposals slowly (two or three kits is a typical litter size in and is urging other conservation organisations Scotland), and live at low population densities. to join with us in opposing them. These characteristics make it difficult for pine marten populations to sustain any additional mortality, and they struggle to recover from local . The pine marten has a highly restricted distribution in Britain following a historical contraction in its range due to deforestation and predator control. In the mid 1990s, the population in Scotland was estimated to be just 3,500 animals. While the estimate needs to be revised in the light of new information on patterns of distribution and abundance, it remains rare, and the species has certainly not yet recolonised more than 15% of its historical British range. The pine marten’s ability to climb and its tendency to predate game birds means that it is not popular on some sporting estates in Scotland; it has been suggested that predator control may have restricted the pine marten’s recolonisation of some areas such as north- east Scotland.

8 Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk Recent studies of pine marten any change in current policy should be capercaillie’s decline, The Mammal Society predation and capercaillie in considered. The ‘pilot’ scale at which a accepts that, in the final stages of that cull could be conducted without potentially decline, normal levels of predation by pine Scotland compromising the conservation status of martens could become an additional pressure. A series of research projects has sought to pine martens would not allow statistically- However, given the peripheral nature of its inform decisions about the role of pine marten robust conclusions to be drawn, and would role, and recognising that the pine marten is predation in capercaillie conservation. A 1995 therefore not provide the evidence required. a scarce, protected mammal still recolonising study in 14 forests found no link between If we imagine the very optimistic scenario its former range, The Mammal Society does capercaillie breeding success and a pine where controlling martens increased the not accept that the removal of pine martens marten abundance/activity index. A study average number of chicks raised per hen is justified by the questionable benefits to in Abernethy Forest, where pine martens from the current level of 0.4 to 0.6 (based on capercaillie conservation. Furthermore, a are particularly abundant, revealed that 39% what might be expected if all predation were focus on pine marten removal would inevitably of capercaillie nests were predated (where avoided and all eggs hatch), then it would take deflect attention away from the fundamental other predators were controlled, around a a study of 198 trial nest sites where predation causes of the capercaillie’s decline. third of nests were lost to pine martens); this is controlled and another 198 control nests level of nest loss was close to the mid-range sites just to be confident the change really among other studies in Scotland and in was due to marten removal and Europe. A recent study of the impacts of not just chance fluctuation. various predators on capercaillie in north-east Culls on such a scale are Scotland confirmed that signs of pine martens unquestionably outside were more abundant than in 1995. However, the range that could be no evidence was found of a relationship considered without seriously between pine marten abundance and any of compromising pine marten the three measures of capercaillie breeding conservation. Smaller success, leading to the conclusion that: studies would simply provide ‘This survey found no evidence to suggest anecdotal evidence and that martens are impacting upon capercaillie could not be used to justify breeding success’. A multivariate analysis policy decisions. The recent of long-term capercaillie brood count data government U-turn on confirmed that breeding success is strongly buzzard removal to benefit influenced by weather. When the effects pheasant stocks, and the of weather and predator variables were rumbling controversy considered together, some measures of over how to interpret capercaillie breeding success varied negatively the badger removal trial, with an index of marten abundance. must surely indicate that such serious changes Would removing pine martens in policy should only be contemplated on help the capercaillie? the basis of the highest Pine marten predation is peripheral among quality of evidence. the factors influencing the success of capercaillie populations. A high profile Summary focus upon the predation issue would create the misleading impression that a complex The capercaillie population ecological problem (the capercaillie’s decline in Scotland, which is derived in Scotland) can be simply resolved by from non-native stock, is removing a scarce, protected predator; and in long-term decline. This it would inevitably deflect attention away from decline is due mainly to altered more fundamental factors. weather patterns and the lack of suitable habitat. Although Strong evidence is available that martens there is no evidence to suggest have no net negative impact across Scotland that predation by pine martens on capercallie populations. Pine marten is an influential factor in the predation of capercaillie nests is a natural process; the two species have co-evolved in a predator-prey relationship that has persisted across northern Europe for 12,000 years; outside Scotland capercaillie populations thrive in the presence of pine martens and other predators. Despite a substantial input The Mammal Society’s Position of conservation effort, the Scottish capercaillie • The evidence to suggest that pine marten predation is an important factor influencing population is in the late stages of a steep capercaillie breeding success is very poor. decline that began in the 1970s; the pine • The success of capercaillie populations is influenced by a complex suite of interacting marten’s role in this process is peripheral at factors, both natural and human, that affect breeding success. Predation is just one of most. In this context, proposals to remove the these factors. pine marten to ‘save the capercaillie’ appear • A proposal to remove one protected native species (the pine marten) to protect another strategically flawed. (the capercaillie) is highly questionable. • Removing, even temporarily, the protection for a species which is likely to be highly What other issues have persecuted because of its tendency to predate game birds, sets a precedent for future to be considered? culling and for culling outside the selected areas. If one accepts that the removal of pine • Even setting aside ethical concerns, the proposed ‘trials’ would lack the sample size to martens may bring some benefits to produce statistically rigorous results. It would therefore not be possible to conclude from capercaillie conservation, there are additional them whether culling could contribute usefully to capercallie conservation or not. issues that must be considered before

Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk 9 DNA Toolbox for squirrel surveys

Red squirrel in Avimore. Photo by Davide Scridel

There are two species of squirrels found forested areas. In Britain, the situation is far various projects have looked at developing in the British Isles, the native Eurasian worse, as the red squirrel is now absent from DNA techniques to help survey some of our red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and an most of the south, with a few isolated pockets most elusive species. The pine marten has introduced North American competitor, remaining in Northern England and Wales. been the pioneering species in the group’s the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). However, many parts of Scotland remain establishment in this field and genetic The grey squirrel competes with the red as a red squirrel stronghold for now. The methods were developed to identify pine squirrel for resources. disappearance of the native red squirrel from marten from scats (faeces) and hair. This The decline of the red squirrel has also been many areas has prompted, along with the work was further developed to determine the linked to the persistence of the squirrel pox creation of red squirrel conservation groups, sex of the sample and finally methods were virus of the grey squirrel which can be lethal a lot of research, especially in the area of optimised to identify the individual, building to the red squirrel, but that has only recently surveying, which can be surprisingly difficult a DNA toolbox that can be used to census been documented in Ireland. The grey for the secretive little red squirrel. individuals in a woodland, without ever seeing squirrel was brought to Castleforbes, County a single pine marten. This work can be read Longford, Ireland in 1911. It is reported that Unseen individuals identified in a paper by Jacinta Mullins and co-authors in her 2010 paper entitled “Remotely plucked a basket of six squirrels were brought as a through developing DNA gift. Needless to say, once the basket was hair genotyping: a reliable and non-invasive opened, the squirrels escaped and set about techniques method for censusing pine marten (Martes populating Ireland. Just over 100 years later, The area of non-invasive genetics has martes, L. 1758) populations”, published in the grey squirrel now inhabits much of the become a popular tool in recent years to the European Journal of Wildlife Research. east of Ireland, with a number of red squirrel aid the surveying of mammals and other One of the most popular ways that squirrels strongholds remaining in isolated areas. The species, without ever capturing or disturbing can be surveyed involves the use of baited west of Ireland remains grey squirrel free with the . In the Molecular Ecology group hair-tubes, first described by John Gurnell a relatively healthy red squirrel population in at Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland, in his 2001 paper describing, “Practical

10 Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk techniques for surveying and monitoring squirrels” published by the Forestry Commission. We have adapted this tube technique to capture squirrel hairs remotely, using sticky patches. One of the problems incurred using this method is that the hairs from both species have similar colour variations. Indeed, additional microscopic analysis is needed to ensure the correct species identification. To overcome this, we developed a DNA test that relies on real-time PCR assays that can reliably and unambiguously identify both species. The tests are applied to DNA that has been extracted from the hair that we collect using hair-tubes. The technique can be applied to samples across the British Isles. We recently published this method in Conservation Genetic Resources in a paper entitled “TaqMan assays for the species identification of the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and the Red squirrel, Emo Court, County Laois, Ireland. Photo by Paul Whitley grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). O’Meara et is required. The genetic information can be collaborative study with a number of people. al. 2012. Conservation Genetic Resources).” used to inform reintroduction studies such Some of them include Emma Sheehy of the as the successful red squirrel reintroduction Woodland Mammal Research Group, NUI Genetic information collected programme that took place in Anglesey, Wales Galway, who is working on a pine marten, or the red squirrel translocation that took red squirrel and grey squirrel interaction study by volunteer groups place in the west of Ireland. Such detailed and Declan O’Mahony who recently, along We have also developed a DNA method to genetic analysis is now a recommendation by with his co-authors, published the findings of resolve the mitochondrial the IUCN (International the national all Ireland pine marten survey in DNA haplotype and Union for Conservation Mammalian Biology. The work we have been optimised a set of previously In the Molecular of Nature) guidelines doing, has involved applying our DNA species published microsatellite Ecology group at when considering red identification techniques to DNA extracted markers to identify squirrel translocation from pine marten scats to detect squirrels and individuals (genotyping). Waterford Institute or reintroduction small mammals in the diet. The method relies The mitochondrial DNA programmes, that can on our DNA extraction method, which along haplotype can be used of Technology, help halt the loss of with the pine marten DNA, also extracts DNA to gain an insight into the Ireland, various the red squirrel. from items the pine marten have been eating population’s history and The species such as mice, and shrews. It is hoped can tell us about past projects have looked identification methods that such collaborative projects will help movements, geographical at developing DNA developed in this increase the information that is learned from isolation and habitat isolation study and others individual research questions. or continuity. The addition of techniques to help for small mammals, While some non-invasive genetic studies the microsatellite data, while described by Siobhan prove to be more useful and successful identifying the individuals, survey some of our Moran and co-authors than others, it remains clear that there is can also be used to infer most elusive species in a 2008 paper in a growing demand for such genetic tools contemporary genetic Molecular Ecology from conservation managers, volunteers diversity and structure. All Resources called and groups. Most recently, the techniques of this information can be gained remotely, “Non-invasive genetic identification of small developed in this study have been applied to a which could be a useful technique for mammal species using real-time polymerase new project led by WIT called “Mammals in a volunteer groups as no trapping or handling chain reaction”, have recently been used in a Sustainable Environment (MISE)”. The project is an INTERREG IVA project, part funded by the European Development Fund and includes partners in both Ireland (Waterford County Council and the National Biodiversity Data Centre) and partners in Wales (Countryside Council for Wales, The Vincent Wildlife Trust and Snowdonia National Park). The project is aimed at involving members of the community in mammal conservation and value is added to mammal surveys by using the DNA analysis tools available in WIT. For more information visit www.miseproject.ie and be sure to check out our Facebook page.

Denise B. O’Meara, Peter D. Turner, Lee Coffey, David O’Neill, Andrew Harrington and Catherine O’Reilly Mammals in a Sustainable Environment (MISE) Project, Molecular Ecology Research Group, Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), Cork Road, Waterford, Ireland. Email: [email protected]

Irish red squirrel from Emo Court, County Laois, Ireland. Photo by Paul Whitley

Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk 11 Otters Born to be wild – rehab to release

Grace M Yoxon, International Otter Survival Fund, Park, Broadford, Isle of Skye, IV49 9DE, Scotland, UK Website: www.otter.org email: [email protected]

Ottiga. Photo by IOSF

Most baby mammals are cute, but I think nesting/den requirements, and basic ecology, Otter cubs in rehab. Photo by IOSF everyone will agree that an otter cub really to ensure that the care given is also aimed at does have the “ah” factor! However, beneath preparation of post release life skills. this veneer of cuteness lies a simple fact – it While we take in some injured adults and will grow up into a wild carnivore and one of juveniles, most otters which come into our the biggest we have in this country. hospital are cubs. Like many young wild So if we are going to raise an orphan we animals, cubs may appear to be abandoned have to think what we are going to do when and it is important to give the mother a chance it grows up! Gavin Maxwell did a lot for otter to return. So we always advise people not conservation by raising awareness but he also to touch but watch quietly and hope Mum had them as pets tempting others to think this comes back. If not, only then do we have to is acceptable. On the contrary, the best place step in. for an otter is in the wild, and there is a legal Otter cubs are born at more or less any time obligation to ensure rearing orphaned otters is of the year and so, unlike other rehab units geared toward successful release. So human which have a “baby season”, a cub can arrive contact must be kept to a minimum and there at any time. They are usually around 10-12 should be no contact with domestic animals. weeks of age, the time they first venture out Imprinting or taming would compromise of the holt. They are often cold, wet and potential release and endanger the animal. dehydrated, and so first aid treatment with In rehab for any species it is necessary to warmth and liquids is vital. can be fussy and it is like trying to bottle-feed know as much as possible about the animal in a furry eel! When deciding on the solid diet it the wild – its food, behaviour, any territoriality, Our cub-rearing process has is important to consider what they would be eating in the wild. We have heard of various three parts: diets but we stick to fish as this is by far the Indoors, nursery pens and croft pens. All new biggest part of their prey. First they take small cubs are first kept indoors in special heated pieces of white fish and then small whole fish. cub units and at this stage they don’t need Once they are feeding themselves we stop a pool, only a bowl of drinking water. Young all handling – this is again to keep them wild cubs often don’t like the water anyway and but anyway they do start to nip and can easily sometimes in the wild the mother even has to draw blood! drag them screaming into the water for their first swim! It is hard to imagine this when the otter becomes so graceful and strong in Nursery pens the water as an adult. Whenever possible we Next they move to our outside nursery pens rear two cubs together, even if they aren’t which have a heated byre and small pools related. They not only provide company for so they can learn to swim. The final stage is each other but will develop otter behaviour in pens on our croft, which are basically 25 with sibling rivalry and metre square areas of will cuddle together for fenced natural moorland. natural warmth. They They are great escape Each pen has a natural also teach each other artists and can not pool and sleeping box and if one is reluctant and here they have as to swim it will often be only dig but climb! close to their natural encouraged into the habitat as possible. water by the other. Otters will always keep If the cub is very young it will need milk and, you on your toes by doing the unexpected! as otters cannot tolerate lactose, we import They are great escape artists and can not a special formula from America. Usually they only dig but climb! So our fences are 2 m take to a bottle easily but sometimes they high with an overhang and they are buried to Bottle-feeding while in rehab. Photo by IOSF

12 Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk Otter croft pens. Photo by IOSF in which they were found unless there are problems associated with this. In the past we used a soft release where the otter is put in a temporary pen for a few days so that it can get used to its new surroundings whilst still being fed. However, we found that this does cause stress to the animal and so now we find a site with suitable shelter for a holt Born to be wild – and then release it by that. Some disappear inside straight away whilst others go straight rehab to release into the water and begin hunting. Post-release Post-release monitoring is important and we have used different methods over the years. Coastal otters tend to be diurnal so then simple visual identification can be used but we have also used radio-tracking. It seems that hunting is a natural instinct. Of course, in the wild they learn by following their mother but we have watched many of our released otters catching their own food within 30 minutes of freedom.

0.5 m. As they near release, they start to dig will keep them until the following spring more and so the fence is regularly inspected so they can have a start in the wild once The International Otter Survival Fund has to make sure they can’t get out. the weather is better. This long process been caring for injured and orphaned makes it even more important to keep otters for over 20 years and has treated human contact to minimum. After all this otters from all over the UK and Ireland. Croft pens time and effort it is important to be careful Although we are dealing with the cubs naturally stay with their mother for in choosing the release site. It is generally Otter ( lutra), we also provide help and about 13-14 months and so we release them accepted policy now that cubs must be advice for people all over the world doing a at that age. However, if this falls in winter we released in the same geographical area similar job: at present we are working with missionaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo who are caring for a rare Congo clawless cub ( congicus). Visit www.otter.org for more information.

Releasing otters. Photo by IOSF

Release site and new home. Photo by IOSF

Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk 13 NEWP The Natural Environment White Paper, Outline and Progress

Marina Pacheo, CEO, The Mammal Society Email: [email protected]

In June 2011 the Government published its will be able to operate across administrative sum going to each project starts looking quite Natural Environment White Paper (NEWP), the boundaries to raise awareness about the small and it will be challenging to make a large first major statement of policy on the natural services and benefits of a healthy natural impact with such a small investment. environment for 20 years. The white paper, environment. How these partnerships will work The planning system is one of the most titled The Natural Choice: securing the value isn’t clear yet, but around fifty Local Nature effective ways to control impacts on nature of nature, sets out, “92 commitments to Partnerships are expected to be announced conservation. There has always been a achieve a healthy natural environment to be shortly. Many of the LNPs putting themselves requirement for the planning system to the foundation of sustained economic growth, forward are headed up by local authorities but take account of economic, social and prospering communities and personal well a fair number of them are being put together environmental factors and sustainable being. The commitments also have the aim by local Wildlife Trusts. development has been a cornerstone (if not of harnessing and supporting the enthusiasm A network of fifty Natural Value Ambassadors a very well supported one) of the planning that people have for protecting and enjoying were also to be established. These system. This White Paper reiterates the the natural environment.” (DEFRA) ambassadors are meant to engage with key importance of the planning system in The White Paper can be broken into the decision makers and opinion formers using protecting and enhancing the environment. following wide ranging but interconnected the latest evidence and materials available to We have to guard, however, against commitments. help people halt the loss of biodiversity. As sustainable development being interpreted • Protecting and Improving the Natural yet these ambassadors don’t seem to have as sustained development, especially when Environment made an appearance and searching DEFRA there is such a determined push to undermine and Natural England’s websites indicates no the planning system to enable ever more • Growing a Green Economy movement on this idea since publication of the development to boost economic growth. • Reconnecting People and Nature White Paper. Another area of concern for conservation • International and EU Leadership The key promise of the White paper is the is the concept of biodiversity offsets. The establishment of Nature Improvement Areas. idea is that developers can take part in a These will be partnerships of local authorities, voluntary system of offsetting the impact of Protecting and Improving the local communities and landowners which will development on biodiversity, by creating new Natural Environment restore and connect nature on a landscape biodiverse areas if wildlife rich places are This commitment is the most relevant to scale. This is a significant change as it moves lost to development. There are a number of The Mammal Society with its aim to arrest nature conservation from conservation sites difficulties with this proposal. It is difficult to the decline in habitats and species and the such as National Parks and Sites of Special demonstrate that a biodiverse area that has degradation of landscapes. This should be Scientific Interest and attempts to link been destroyed in one area can be recreated achieved through the development of a new conservation, both within the conservation in another area as if biodiversity can be treated Biodiversity Strategy, and the “establishment sites and beyond, into agricultural areas and as a like for like, interchangeable good. At of coherent ecological networks, with more urban areas. The seemingly large sum of one point in discussion of the Severn Barrage and better places for nature for the benefit £7.5 million over three years was promised it was suggested that wetland loss around of wildlife and people” (DEFRA). Natural to support these Nature Improvement Areas. the Severn could be offset by enhancement England published the Biodiversity Strategy But as it is divided amongst the 12 Nature of wetland sites on the east coast of the in August 2011. Biodiversity 2020: a strategy Improvement Areas already announced the country. It’s a kind of manufacturer’s viewpoint for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services attempted to add detail to how biodiversity loss would be reversed in England. This is Policies are the basic principles by which a a monumental task, which has not been achieved by any previous government government is guided. While law can compel (we didn’t even come close to meeting our Biodiversity 2010 commitments) sadly or prohibit behaviours, policy merely guides Biodiversity 2020 gives little indication on how this ambitious task will be achieved. actions towards those that are most likely to One of the key commitments in the NEWP is achieve a desired outcome. the formation of Local Nature Partnerships. These groupings of local authorities, (Wikipedia) businesses, farmers and conservation groups

14 Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk of the world that each piece of ‘nature’ is Council with leading businesses. They will on the monetisation of nature. We would The Natural Environment White Paper, Outline and Progress exactly like the other. I am also concerned also try to provide business opportunities that urge the government, across all their that prime biodiverse areas will be offset in pay back to nature. This will be developed departments, to make sure that all their less optimal areas and finally I am worried that through the business-led Ecosystem Markets initiatives have the focus and support they whilst developers may promise to undertake Task Force. need to be truly effective. biodiversity offsetting at the start of a project, it may not come to pass once planning Reconnecting people and nature permission has been obtained. The planning Key documents that These aims attempt to get more people system is notorious for not following up on out into the countryside and raise the informed the Natural developer promises for amelioration work awareness of nature and our impact on the Environment White Paper: and developers are well known for letting environment within the general public. It is expensive but non essential parts of new The UK National Ecosystem Assessment approaching this via connecting through developments slide. (NEA): this examined the benefits that nature’s health service. It is generally nature provides, how they have changed A number of additional aims in the white paper accepted that time spent in green space is include; planning for low carbon infrastructure; over the past, the prospects for the beneficial for people’s physical and mental future and their value to our society. getting the best value from agricultural land; wellbeing. The Government will therefore be protecting and improving woodland and encouraging Local Nature Partnerships and The Lawton Review, Making Space forests; creating diverse and living landscapes Health and Wellbeing Boards to engage in for Nature: called for “a step change in by involving local communities in landscape each other’s work. The Government will also nature conservation... a new restorative planning; safeguarding soils; restoring work on a diverse range of environmental approach which rebuilds nature nature in water bodies; restoring nature improvements including getting people and creates a more resilient natural in our towns and cities and managing the more active and eating healthily through to environment for the benefit of wildlife marine environment, all of which are positive Low Emission Zones. and ourselves”. It summarised what but lack detail on how they will actually be needed to be done as: “more, bigger, They will attempt to connect people to the implemented or funded. better and joined”. environment through better neighbourhood access to nature through new Green Areas The Climate Change Act 2008: which Growing a Green Economy Designations in urban areas, supporting emphasised the need for our society the Green Flag award, working with Keep to develop a better understanding The most controversial part of the White Britain Tidy and identifying and protecting about when and where to invest in Paper is the section on growing a green urban quiet zones amongst other measures. environmental protection in the face of economy. Much hinges on whether you They will also attempt to increase volunteer climate change impacts. think it is acceptable to put a price on activities in green spaces in both the what the environment provides or not. The The Economics of Ecosystems and countryside and towns which they see as prevailing view of environmental scientists Biodiversity study (TEEB): which being good for us and good for nature. and conservation charities seems to be that demonstrated that the economic benefits to achieve protection of the environment we of protecting biodiversity and ecosystems need to speak the language of economists. It International and EU Leadership greatly outweighs the cost of doing so. is in this way that we will be able to convince This is potentially the least controversial part them that nature is worth saving. To that of the White Paper with the stated aims end every service that nature provides from of; achieving environmentally and socially clean water and air to soil fertility and flood sustainable economic growth together with prevention is to be given a monetary value. I food, water and climate and energy security worry that putting a price on something gives around the world but working particularly the impression that it belongs to someone, within the European Union to affect change. and can easily be traded and replicated – a dangerous precedent to set. The Mammal Society View However, the White paper will aim to capture In summary, it is useful for the government to the value of nature in our nation’s account have produced an Environmental White Paper by putting natural capital, the term they as it lays out its environmental credentials and use for nature, at the heart of Government highlights the areas of greatest conservation accounting. Research still has to be carried concern and how they mean to tackle them. out to ascribe monetary value to natural We welcome the realisation within government services and this is being worked on by that conservation should be addressed at government working in partnership with the a landscape scale. We also welcome their Office of National Statistics. attempts to engage the wider community, Government will involve business in especially the corporate world, in conserving conservation by setting up a Green Economy biodiversity although we have reservations

Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk 15 European Bison. Both photos by INS New Forest

Bison in Britain (Wisent) King of the New Forest

Jason Palmer, New Forest Wildlife Park

It wasn’t until one very bright misty February As far as I can find out no actual evidence of By 1919 the last remaining population of morning that I truly began to understand Bison bonasus has been found in fossil form Lowland bison, in the Bialowieza primeval why I thought that our latest animal arrivals in the UK, however, dredging in the North Sea forest that straddles the border between at New Forest Wildlife Park were so special, has resulted in fossil Byelorussia and Poland, so majestic and seemingly so very ancient, finds and Bison fossils was exterminated. almost prehistoric. of a related species During successive This left one remaining Our three male European bison, Bison Bison priscus has been ice ages and over wild population of the bonasus bonasus (Linnaeus 1758) or found in the UK. Caucasian bison, which lowland bison, are kept in a large paddock, During successive evolutionary time was extirpated by 1927, with adjoining mixed conifer and deciduous ice ages and over many bison species leading to the sad woodland; approximately five acres in total. evolutionary time appellation of ‘Extinct in the Wild’. The final nail It was a bright, sunny morning with the last many bison species have come and gone in the wild populations’ of the mist burning off from the dip. Janek, have come and gone in both Europe and coffin was the First Wotjek and Leszek (they came with Polish in both Europe and World War. Without names) all lumbered over. The image of 3 of North America. Europe North America the protection of Royal Europe’s largest living ungulates moving slowly was left with possibly hunting grounds in the and purposefully towards me through the three types of bison, forests, the bison became tempting prey for mist, without any sight of fences, just a small the Lowland, Bison bonasus bonasus, the hungry people suffering from the devastation grassy plain between me and them, stirred Caucasian bison, Bison bonasus caucasicus the war brought with it. something inside me. The thought that this and the Carpathian or Hungarian bison, Bison sight hasn’t been seen for thousands of years bonasus hungarorum. on these shores was almost overwhelming. All Revival I could think of were our prehistoric ancestors Decline It is believed that this left just 54 individuals, of far removed from me, as well as how lucky Numbers of all these were drastically reduced Lowland and Caucasian bison combined, alive we are to be able to host these magnificent during the Middle Ages, for meat, sport, hides in zoos, collections and private hands. One beasts where so many other species have and drinking vessels from their horns. By the notable saviour was the German zookeeper been consigned to extinction. end of the 19th C only two wild populations Dr Heinz Heck. He created the first studbook Historically bison would have once been native remained, the protected hunting rights of the for a non domestic species, choosing the to large parts of Western, Central and South- Russian Czars and the Polish kings ironically European bison. The first studbook was just eastern Europe, as well as into inner Asia. saving them from complete extinction. a simple card index from 1923 containing the

16 Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk details of bison location and relationships, with Society estimates that the wild herd in Poland/ bachelor groups of animals so we can swap a full list being published in 1932. From then Russia could contain an effective population of around and alter pairings in the future if on numbers have increased gradually, with as few as 25 viable genetic individuals. needed. Two of our bison are six years old a large drop in numbers during the Second The genetically viable breeding population and one is five, so they still have a year or two World War from 160 in 1943 to just 93 in 1946 of any species is much lower than the to attain full maturity. European bison live in all (Pucek et al. 2004 European Bison Status actual number of animals that actually exists male herds as well as mixed groups so they Survey and Conservation Action Plan). because of non breeding individuals, an are in a natural situation. Since then, as a result unbalanced sex Adult animals can be nearly 3m long, stand of concerted efforts of ratio or genetic 2m at shoulder height and weigh up to captive breeding, wild The genetically viable identity of close 1000kg. We estimate ours to be around reintroductions, protected relatives. When a 800kg at the heaviest. They could potentially habitats and careful breeding population species’ numbers live up to 25-30 years, with females being management, the current of any species is much get as low as known still to produce offspring at 20 years estimations from the the European of age. Male bison can reach sexual maturity Large Herbivore Network lower than the actual bison did in the at the ages of 15-20 months, although this is (LHN) estimates a world 1920s, then the probably very early, and most males mature at population of 4231, with number of animals that estimated number 4 or 5 years of age. Older bulls of 12 or so will 2701 free roaming and actually exists of 50 genetically keep younger males away from the females. 1530 captive. Of these, pure individuals We haven’t seen any major rutting behaviour 400 animals now live thought necessary during August through to October, the natural semi-wild in Bialowieza forest each side of to provide enough genetic variation becomes rutting season. the border, with other populations in Belarus, seriously violated. However, they are A potential plan includes breeding with Lithuania, Slovakia and Ukraine (LHN).Captive recovering and increasing with the help of a unrelated females and returning the offspring populations can be seen in 30 different good European/ Worldwide effort. Recently to the wild population in Europe. Although countries worldwide (Pucek et al 2004). bison have been released on Denmark’s most people know of the bison as an Bornholm Island in the Baltic Sea. American species roaming the prairies and being hunted by Native Americans and Recognising a bottleneck European settlers, few are aware of the Out of the 54 original animals left, only four Dual purpose for bison in Britian European bison. People are usually quite bulls and three cows went on to found the So where do our three males come into all surprised when we tell them that these huge, surviving pure bred population and of those this? Our bison are acting as a separate and massive beasts are native to our European alive today all originate from just one bull, with safe genetic ‘bank’, as well as ambassadors forests and much more likely to be found in 90% of their genes coming from two founders for their species. We were chosen to have mixed woodland and forests than on open (Tokarska et al. 2011. Mammal Review). Now, these particular animals by the current plains and prairies. Not only are our own despite numbers increasing, there is still some European bison studbook keeper, Wanda European bison part of the genetic bank, concern about the massive genetic bottleneck Olech, with help and coordination from the but they are doing an important PR job by suffered during the early 20th C. A recent Highland Wildlife Park. Many collections introducing the public to this species’ valuable report in the Biological Journal of the Linnaean and institutions do valuable work in holding contribution to habitat and ecosystems.

Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk 17 Badgers & People: current conflicts and a troubled history

Dr. Angela Cassidy, Imperial College London Foraging badgers. Photo by Sue Searle

The problem of what to do about badgers For the past four years I’ve been researching here I will focus on the animal at the centre of and bovine TB (bTB) has been rumbling badger/bTB as a case study of ‘public this controversy: the badger. The European along now since the early 1970s, when scientific controversy’: badger ( meles) veterinarians first made a link between analysing how the British is a member of the infections in the two species. Until quite national press have In my analysis of the , although recently, this debate has been mostly covered the issue; talking historically it was often confined to specialist media such as the to the people involved to UK press coverage thought to be a kind farming press and ‘environment’ sections get behind the headlines; (from 1995 to 2010), of bear. Including of newspapers, but is now receiving more and tracing its long-term subspecies, its range attention as it moves up political agendas. development. Over fifteen the first thing that extends all the way years since (now Lord) stood out was quite from the Iberian John Krebs argued that Peninsula to Iran in not enough was known how much time the east, and up to about the effects of Scandinavia in the culling wild badgers on journalists seemed to north. Bovine TB is of bTB in domestic cattle, spend quoting Wind course a global disease we seem no closer to problem, infecting finding sustainable policy in the Willows cattle, humans solutions to this rapidly and a range of wild worsening problem. Despite the monumental mammals: despite the rarity of clinical disease efforts of the Randomised Badger Culling in the UK, in the Global South bTB is still a Trial to provide adequate evidence to shape serious human and animal health problem. bTB policy, advocates both for and against However, it is only in the UK and Republic of badger culling argue that their positions are Ireland that the two have been linked; and supported by ‘sound science’; as have the only in England and Wales that badger/bTB bewildering variety of policies adopted across has been a source of serious controversy. the devolved regions of the UK. Whether considered from ecological, While this case certainly raises important epidemiological, veterinary, societal or questions about the ongoing relationships historical perspectives, this raises the question Badger. Photo by Sue Searle between science, policy and politics in the UK, of why does this controversy only happen in

18 Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk this particular tiny corner of Northern Europe, fictional and poetic sources – when writing authors including C.S. Lewis, T.H.White, and nowhere else? My research seeks to about a notoriously complex policy debate. and more recently in the Animals of Farthing assess the societal and historical aspects of Wood series. Badgers have also featured this, whilst taking into account our developing prominently in British natural history TV and biological knowledge of the relationship Cultural origins books, where they tend to be portrayed Badgers & People: between badgers and bTB. Going beyond today’s media, I traced the positively. Looking at the archive of the Times origins of these characters in British culture. newspaper, I found people arguing about The oldest reference to the ‘Good Badger’ I badgers pretty much as we do now, nearly Good Badger and Bad Badger found was in an 11th century Anglo-Saxon a hundred years before any connection with In my analysis of the UK press coverage ‘riddle poem’, in which an unnamed animal bTB had been made. (from 1995 to 2010), the first thing that stood bravely defends his family from attackers out was quite how much time journalists who are digging into his home inside a hill. seemed to spend quoting Wind in the Willows. We also see badgers appearing in many Muddying the waters Alongside the more conventional issues of place-names and occasionally in coats of So what does this imply for the badger/bTB how bTB is spreading across the country; arms. Historically, it seems that ‘Bad Badger’ controversy? I think that this much older the multiplying economic costs; the scientific was highly influential: badgers were legally ‘badger debate’ is fuelling contemporary evidence for and against badger culling; designated ‘vermin’ by the Tudors, with a high arguments both for and against culling, and the political implications of each twist bounty of 1/- offered as a reward. Badgers making it much harder for policymakers and turn in policy, most articles discussed were at times eaten and their fat used to make and the media to address the complexities badgers and what people thought of them. liniments: they were also routinely killed by of what the science might be able to tell I found two characters looming large: not gamekeepers as they were believed to take us, never mind finding policy solutions the Environment Secretary, the president of ground-nesting birds. Despite the outlawing acceptable to all. NFU, or even Brian May, but Good Badger of badger baiting (staged fighting) in 1835, If we need to have a debate about badgers and Bad Badger. Good Badger is the more badger digging (hunting with ) remained (and given how differently people seem to familiar of the two and is liked because he a popular sport until well into the 20th century, feel about them, we may well), then let’s “keeps himself to himself”; looks after his and forms of both continue illegally even do that. But can we also make some family (who are very cute); has lived in the today. Some insight into this antipathy can be space to talk about the rest of the picture? Wild Wood for generations; eats worms and found in Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Mr Tod, Issues like cattle movement, ecological gives us a sense of connection with ‘Nature’ published in 1912. This is a grim tale about consequences, the uncertainties of testing, when we do encounter him. However, Bad predation: the badger, Tommy Brock, uses the roles of international trade and global Badger appeared more often: as well as guile to kidnap a nest of baby rabbits, who (human) health, the involvement or otherwise spreading disease, he is a violent predatory are in turn stolen by the , Mr Tod. Tommy of farmers in policymaking, and the future pest, causing trouble by digging under fields Brock is a deeply unpleasant character, who shape of the British countryside are all being and foundations, destroying crops and eating as well as being sly and predatory is smelly, squeezed out of public debate. If we are ever hedgehogs. These ‘framings’, or ways of dirty, uncouth, and working class, particularly going to move forward, we have to reframe portraying the animal, were pervasive: while in contrast to the ‘gentleman’ Mr Tod. bTB, and start understanding badger culling each version was strategically used by the However, it seems that ‘Mr Badger’ from as a small part of a much larger problem. ‘pro’ and ‘anti’ side of the debate, I also Wind in the Willows (1913) then set the found that journalists used both in opposition tone for the rest of the 20th century. Mr. Further discussion can be found in as a way of structuring their articles and Badger acts as a father figure to the other Dr Cassidy’s recent article ‘Vermin, making them more interesting. This need characters in the novel, but is also antisocial, Victims & Disease’, published in for relevance explains the preponderance intelligent, wise, and fearsome to friends Sociologia Ruralis: http://onlinelibrary. of cultural references – not only to Kenneth and enemies alike. We can see versions wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467- Grahame’s classic novel, but a range of other of the same character in the work of many 9523.2012.00562.x/abstract

Two badgers moving in. Photo by Sue Searle

Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk 19 Mammal Training Dormouse Ecology &

Dormouse. Photo by Stuart Edmunds Conservation: Course Review

As a member of Shropshire Mammal Group, insightful overview of dormouse ecology legislation. Bob I am aiming to coordinate a dormouse nest and his passion for studying and protecting was able to give box scheme to encourage wider monitoring of dormice was inspiring. It was very interesting advice on how to dormice in the county, so I was keen to attend to learn of the hardships that dormice create a survey the course and learn more about dormice, populations suffer in adapting to shrinking project and we their ecology and the law surrounding them. suitable habitats and struggle with inconsistent were well briefed The event was led by Bob Boyce, who leads climate. It was reassuring to know that there on how best to The Perch Project, set up with Somerset are many dedicated people prepared to help attain a licence in Wildlife Trust to monitor nest boxes around give dormice a fighting chance. the future. Overall, quarries in the Cheddar area. Bob gave an For me, the course highlight was checking the course was the nest boxes around the course base at insightful and Callow Rock. We ventured off into the woods entertaining and despite the drizzle and were fortunate enough gave a good solid to find two torpid dormice, which were more background to than happy to pause for photos as they began dormice ecology to awaken. We were then involved and conservation, with weighing and sexing the individuals suitable for and checked for pit tags with a scanner; rice professionals and Weighing. Photo by grain-size tags used to monitor individual enthusiasts alike. Stuart Edmunds movement and development. On returning to base, time was allowed to ask Stuart Edmunds, Shropshire Mammal Group Checking. Photo by Stuart Edmunds questions and learn more about dormouse

Training News You will see that our new training brochure is enclosed in this issue. It includes new courses for consultants, conservationists and enthusiasts alike including a very special Wild Boar Study day – open only to members. You may have also noted that we have introduced a different format to previous brochures. We have altered the design to enable us to keep you better informed on courses throughout the year by issuing updated brochures with each issue of Mammal News. As ever, we would like to hear what you think of the changes. In the meantime, there are still spaces left on some of our 2012 courses: Dormouse Ecology and Conservation 19th October in Somerset River Dwelling Mammals 20th October in Winchester Mammal Identification Weekend 19th – 21st October in Shropshire Dormice and Development 22nd October in Wiltshire Book now via www.mammal.org.uk/shop or by calling 023 80237874.

20 Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk Membership Matters with Laura Welcome to our new regular feature keeping you, our members, up to date on Training matters important to you. Contact me at [email protected] with any membership questions. To be kept up to date between issues, why not sign up to our e-bulletin? Access at www.mammal.org.uk/e_bulletin.

Mammal Review going digital? Direct debits, coming soon As many of you will have seen in the last paper subscription and move online only, Sign up and save Mammal News and by email, we ran a poll please let me know by emailing, phoning giving you the opportunity to say whether or writing to me, as reducing paper you would continue your Mammal Review subscriptions as much as possible will 25% for a year subscription if it became online only, a help us save money. We’ll be making it easier for you to manage your move which would save The Mammal Unfortunately, anyone whose membership subscription by bringing in direct debits in the next Society £7,500 a year. A total of 145 journal is still in shortfall, since the subscription two months. Never worry about renewing or falling subscribers (or 25%) responded, with 32% rise in 2010, will no longer receive a paper into shortfall, and spread the cost of your payment of those saying they would cancel their copy until their subscription is brought up over 12 months, if you choose. Plus, everyone who subscription to the journal. to date and any surplus will be treated as signs up to direct debit will get 3 months free! We’ll Based on your feedback, we have decided a donation. We will write to everyone this be in touch soon with more news. to continue the paper subscription of affects very soon with instructions on how Mammal Review as an option for all current to do this. members (with or without the online Thank you all for your valuable feedback New to the network: service), but make online subscription the and useful comments, and I hope you are only option for new members joining us all pleased with the decision. If you have Welcome Dorset after 1st November 2012. any questions, please don’t hesitate to get However, if you are happy to cancel your in touch. Mammal Group!

Founded in June, the latest addition to the Mammal Photographer growing network of county mammal groups is overseeing the amalgamation of the of the Year 2013 previous Badger and Otter Groups and plans Send us your snaps for our photo competition and to cover the full range of WIN a Spypoint HD10 Wildlife Camera worth £250! mammals except bats (already well catered- for by the county Bat Group). The group Judges include renowned aims to follow the guidelines set out on The wildlife photographer, film-maker Mammal Society’s website, and embrace the and consultant Kate MacRae scientific (recording, surveying, investigating) (www.wildlifekate.co.uk), and ethical (welfare, respect). In this, they have and wildlife photographer the support of Chris Packham who said: Steve Magennis. “The Dorset Mammal Group We are looking for images that has my support in its aim to tell a story, show rare behaviour, highlight mammals in a fragile combine the scientific with the environment, or just make the ethical. This is a progressive ordinary extraordinary. move which sets the right tone In addition, one member can for the twenty-first century. I win a Bushnell Trophy Cam wish the group every success.” worth £199 for the Best They are now planning a series of launch Members’ Image. meetings across the county in the New Year; Visit www.mammal.org.uk/ featuring a presentation by Colin Varndell, one photo_competition for Ts&Cs, of the UK’s leading nature photographers and full list of prizes, and submission a founder member of the Group. guidelines. Many thanks to Amanda Visit www.dorsetmammalgroup.org.uk Wilson of the Student Committee (under development) or email for organising this. [email protected] Deadline for submission: Spypoint to find out how you can get involved if you live January 31st 2013 in Dorset. Bushnell

Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk 21 . Photo by Sue Searle

Book Reviews UK BAP Mammals – Interim Guidance for Survey Methodologies, Impact Assessment and Mitigation ISBN 978-0-906282-73-1. Book Review by Sue Searle, BSc, PGDip, MIEEM, Managing Director and Principal Ecologist at Acorn Ecology Ltd and previous Mammal News Editor.

Authors and Editors – Warren Cresswell, recommended actions; survey methodology; I have found this publication to be a useful Johnny Birks, Derek Yalden, Stephanie impact assessment, mitigation, compensation addition to my bookcase both for personal Wray, Marina Pacheco, Pat Morris, Mike and enhancement; research requirements and professional interest and I feel that Dean, Will Trewhella, David Wells, John as well as giving references and bibliography this book should be used by all ecological Gurnell, Peter Lurz, Simone Bullion, Phil for further study. The research requirements consultants and others involved in EcIA Wheeler, Andrew Kitchener and Linda Yost. section outlines the need for further study, or indeed by anyone working on these The Mammal Society has produced this book and, as with many UK mammals, it highlights mammals. This is a valuable contribution to primarily to help people involved in Ecological that there is still a lot to learn about them. the conservation of UK mammals. Impact Assessments (EcIA). It covers UK This I found to be very interesting and food BAP mammal species that were not receiving for thought for possible student research adequate attention. Species covered are projects. Ones that caught my eye included: red squirrel, harvest mouse, brown hare and Do harvest mice cross roads? What are the mountain hare, European hedgehog, wildcat, impacts of wind turbines on hares and, do pine marten and . In the back of the they use tunnels to cross roads? And how do book there is also a helpful literature review of hedgehogs use arable landscapes? Roads available guidance for the dormouse, water are a major issue for all mammal species and , greater horseshoe bat and otter. much research is still required to help reduce the impacts on them. Following on from The Mammal Society’s autumn symposium entitled Advances in The great and the good of the mammal Ecological Impact Assessment for Mammals world in the UK have worked together in November 2007, organised by Warren and contributed to this book, including Cresswell, a workshop was arranged for our current Chairman, former Chairman, 2009 to discuss UK BAP mammals and CEO and President! It is easy to read, identify knowledge gaps. Warren chaired this very comprehensive and complemented workshop and was involved in developing the by good photographs, tables and other basic templates for each species before he illustrations within it. Some of the survey sadly died. As such, the publication is, quite methods are innovative and really useful rightly, dedicated to him. for ecological consultants and decision- makers to know about. Meant as interim For each species the book covers background guidance I am sure that this book will biology; habitats and requirements; status and be updated in the future when more is distribution; legal protection; BAP status and known about these mammal species.

22 Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk Brown Hares in the Mammal Encounter Derbyshire Dales Author: Christine Gregory Haiku ISBN: 9781906148560 Parabolic gait, Hardback, 144 pages, includes colour photographs by Christine Gregory. Perhaps it is a ? Published: September 2012 It’s stoataly not. This is a second edition of this beautiful book on hares and would make an ideal Aidan Rooney Christmas present for anyone interested in Hill walking in Scotland, June 2012. mammals. The highlights of the book are the stunning photographs of brown hares taken by Christine Gregory in the Derbyshire Dales. But to focus on the images alone would be to miss out on a well researched book which covers everything on hares from their biology to mythology and a good section on conservation and what we can all be doing to support an increase in hare numbers. As our President, Derek Yalden, says in the foreword of this book, “there is a message of hope here, and a beautifully illustrated one at that”.

Book Review by Marina Pacheco

Making Connections with Wildlife On a beautiful sunny June morning in the day I saw that magnificent deer. And in ecologically diverse and sustainable future. Cumbernauld Glen, I am sitting amongst that moment I smile as I acknowledge that For more information on 2020VISION thousands of blue nodding flowers that I have just experienced what myself and and to view more stunning photographs carpet the floor of this semi-natural the 2020VISION team are trying to inspire from the professional team, please visit ancient woodland. Nestled within an urban others to do; rekindle our relationship with www.2020v.org. environment, this is perhaps the least likely nature through positive interactions and place to expect so many bluebells, yet experiences that create lasting memories Katrina Martin it is one of the best displays I have ever and nurture a fondness for the natural world. encountered. Staying stock still and holding The bigger picture of 2020VISION is to my breath as I aim my camera to capture the communicate the important links between dew drops sitting delicately on fragile petals, the restoration of healthy ecosystems and I am completely immersed in the micro world the well-being of people in a bid to increase in front of me; absorbed in capturing more their perceived value at such a crucial point images of these beauties for the 2020VISION in time. Visual media are being utilised as a photography project I am involved in. tool to reach the masses in order to achieve I am brought out of my intent concentration this ambitious task. I am lucky in the town by a slight rustling to my right and glance of Cumbernauld that there are so many up to witness a beautiful roe deer buck nature reserves and greenspaces which approaching, about twenty feet away. The have resulted in numerous encounters with dappled light falling across his dark russet my many mammalian neighbours. But no fur contrasts with the bright blue flowers. matter the location – countryside, suburban He spots me and freezes, ears pricked up; or urban – there are close encounters to alert. Having my macro lens attached I make be experienced and enjoyed by all. As we no attempt to photograph him; instead I acknowledge the important messages sit and marvel at him in the brief seconds received from conservation groups and take before he turns and darts away. Despite appropriate action to rebuild our natural no physical evidence, I have a lasting home, the potential for familiarising ourselves image of that moment; a snapshot of my with the wildlife which surrounds us cannot encounter in my mind that is as clear as help but increase as we progress towards an

Connecting with nature. Photo by Katrina Martin/ 2020VISION

Roe buck. Photo by Mark Hamblin/ Involvement. 2020VISION Photo by Katrina Martin/ 2020VISION

Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk 23 Don’t miss our bargain mammal tours!

AnImal ‘A bold and fascinating series . . . full of gorgeous graphics. These books give a strong sense of the depth and complexity of the emotions we invest in animals’ – Independent on Sunday Ape Donkey John Sorenson Jill Bough Elephant Fox Dan Wylie Peter Wallen Hare Horse Simon Carnell Elaine Walker Otter Pig Daniel Allen Brett Mizelle Rat Whale Jonathan Burt Joe Roman Celebrating 50 titles in the acclaimed Animal series £12.95 / £9.99 pb c. 224 pp 100 illus, 50 in colour Reaktion Books www.reaktionbooks.co.uk

24 Mammal News Autumn 2012 • www.mammal.org.uk