UK Wildlife

UK Mammals Red List Status

Several UK mammal species are classified as threatened on the national red list, with water voles, wildcats, and bats among the most endangered, requiring targeted conservation intervention.

Key Facts

UK mammal population trends show 26% decline since 1970 in monitored species
Water vole is the most rapidly declining mammal with 90% reduction
Scottish wildcat may be functionally extinct as a pure species through hybridisation
Several bat species show population declines linked to roost loss and invertebrate decline
Hedgehog and brown hare show significant long-term declines in rural areas

Welfare Considerations

UK mammal red list welfare implications go beyond individual animals to population viability. Targeted conservation intervention for the most threatened species requires coordinated action across habitats and threats. Each species represents millions of years of evolution that cannot be replaced.

What You Can Do

Support PTES and People's Trust for Endangered Species mammal conservation programmes
Advocate for specific conservation action for red-listed UK mammals
Record mammals in your area through PTES mammal surveys to contribute monitoring data