Surveying Mammals

Hedgehog photo by Peter Mallett 1/3
Harvest mouse photo by Elizabeth Dack 2/3
Muntjac photo by Elizabeth Dack 3/3
Mammals are well represented in Norfolk and it may surprise you to know that there are well over thirty species of terrestrial mammal and at least three species of marine mammal present in and around the county. However, information on the precise number of species present and their distribution relies heavily on members of the public reporting their observations. For example, during 2007 only nine records of house mouse were submitted to the county recorder. Does this mean the species is almost extinct in Norfolk, or is it simply that people assume the species is so common that it is not worth reporting?

The reasons why mammals are so under recorded (less than 0.5% of wildlife records) is probably due to a combination of factors:
  • Many of them are very small and secretive
  • Several are mainly nocturnal
  • Most avoid coming into close contact with humans
Why not start recording the mammals to be found on your local patch? Your powers of observation will be put to the test and your appreciation of the environment greatly enhanced. It has got to be worth it if only to prove the house mouse is still alive and kicking.


Introducing the introductions

Several species of introduced mammal thrive in Norfolk including the grey squirrel which is one of our most commonly seen mammals and several deer species including increasing numbers of muntjac and Chinese water deer.

The American mink is a very destructive alien species which is subject to an ongoing trapping programme to control its spread around the county. A recent survey conducted by Norfolk Wildlife Trust has shown both muntjac and American mink to be widespread throughout Norfolk. Records of these species are useful in helping to map their distribution within the county.

There have also been periodic reports of big cats roaming the Norfolk countryside; however, to date, there is little hard evidence to support this. Whilst it would be irresponsible to suggest anyone should set out to confirm the presence of such creatures, any sighitngs or photographs of tracks would help build a better picture of whether they do indeed exist.


Why not start a simply survey today?

The interesting thing about recording mammals is that you do not necessarily have to see live animals to record their presence. Your powers of detection can be utilised to look for such things as droppings or latrines, footprints, trails, feeding sites, food remains, snagged or moulted fur, dens, burrows and scratching posts. Many of these signs are sufficiently distinctive as to allow recording of a particular species. Also many larger mammals have clearly recognisable calls, such as the mating calls of foxes or the barking of muntjac deer.
 
Domestic cats will often bring in small mammals they have caught for your inspection (not necessarily whole but nonetheless identifiable!) and unfortunately many mammals become victims to road traffic. It may be easier to gain records of nocturnal mammals such as hedgehogs and badgers from road kills than by live observation. Records of dead individuals are just as useful as those of live animals.

 

Equipment

Most mammals can be adequately surveyed using a combination of simple observational techniques for which nothing more than patience, a pair of binoculars and a good field guide are required. However, to survey bats properly, you will require specialist electronic detectors to record their species-specific high-pitched calls, and in some cases a bat licence.

 

It makes sense to use your senses

Due to a long history of persecution, most mammals are shy and easily disturbed. Developing the skills to get close to wild mammals is challenging but rewarding:
  • Many mammals have a highly developed sense of smell – approach where possible from down wind so that your scent is masked.
  • Develop your tracking skills – look for runs and trails as many mammals follow regular pathways along which you may find droppings or snagged hairs.
  • Use your ears – many mammals have distinctive calls at certain times of the year (for example, rutting deer in the autumn). You can purchase CDs of mammal calls to teach yourself to recognise mammal sounds. 
  • Stalking – learn to move quietly and avoid clothing that rustles as you move.
  • Patience – a key skill is sitting, waiting and watching. After a while animals will accept you as part of the scenery and resume their normal activity if you remain motionless.
  • Use your car – a car is effectively a mobile hide and many mammals seem to be completely undisturbed by the presence of a parked car.


Have you seen…?

Many mammal species have declined in the UK. Any observations of the following Biodiversity Action Plan species have great value:
  • Water vole
  • Red squirrel
  • Otter
  • Harvest mouse
  • Hedgehog
  • Harbour porpoise

Send your records to:


Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS)
Environment, Transport and Development
County Hall,
Martineau Lane,
Norwich,
NR1 2SG

Email: [email protected]
Website: NBIS

Download mammal survey forms here.


Single Species Survey Form (Survey Form D)

Microsoft Excel spreadsheet    

Garden Mammal Tick-list (Survey Form E)

Microsoft Excel spreadsheet    
Microsoft Word document        

Please remember to send your completed survey forms to Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service – make your records count!

Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service
Environment, Transport and Development
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 2SG

Email: [email protected]
Website: NBIS

Need help identifying that mystery mammal?

Upload your photograph here or email the photograph to [email protected].

 

Need to brush up on your mammal id?

To get details of mammal identification workshops in Norfolk check out our event section.

 

Take part in a national survey

People’s Trust for Endangered Species runs a variety of different surveys from the annual Great Nut Hunt which looks at recording mammal species that eat hazel nuts, to a hog and molewatch.

The Bat Conservation Trust runs a number of national surveys. You do not need to be a bat expert to help them monitor the UK’s bat populations as the surveys are suited to various levels of experience.

The Mammal Society runs a number of national surveys, including an owl pellet survey where you can send them any pellets you find for analysis.