The Eurasian or northern lynx, Lynx lynx, is native to Britain. Previously thought to have become extinct in the Mesolithic as a result of climate change, radiocarbon dating of fossil remains shows it survived until at least the early Medieval period. Gaelic and Cumbric accounts suggest even longer persistence, though the exact dates are unknown….
Position Statements
As part of our role to advocate sustainable policy development that supports mammal conservation, we issue clear statements that describe our position on some of the issues mammals face or on announcements of new or changing regional or national policy that affects mammals and efforts to conserve them. Drawing upon members' expertise, we use science-led evidence to advise on issues including culling, re-introductions, disease, non-native species and human conflicts.
We also campaign directly to decision makers as part of the Wildlife & Countryside LINK partnership.
Mammal Society joins appeal to safeguard of mountain hare populations in Scotland
The Mammal Society has joined a coalition of ten environmental and outdoor organisations calling for action by the Scottish Government to introduce urgent safeguards for mountain hare populations. The group of organisations, which also includes; RSPB Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish Raptor Study Group, Badenoch and Strathspey Conservation Group, Cairngorms Campaign, National Trust Scotland, Royal…
Position statement: Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis
Summary The badger is not an endangered species in Britain – on the contrary, it is very successful. It has, however, been seriously persecuted in the distant and recent past and so is legally protected. There is no doubt that badgers are affected by Bovine Tuberculosis, and are infected by the same strains…
Position statement: Red squirrel introduction to the Isle of Man
June 2016 Position Statement on the proposed introduction of red squirrels to the Isle of Man and the amendment of legislation to allow consideration of a licence to enable such an introduction. During the period 16 March 2016 to 27 April 2016, the Isle of Man Government is seeking views from the public on a…
Response to DEFRA’s consultation on relaxing the rules for badger culling
September 2015 The Mammal Society’s response to Defra’s consultation on its plans to update the criteria for badger control licence applications Defra posed three key questions to stakeholders: We would be grateful for your views on altering the duration of the culling period. This would involve amending the Guidance to Natural England, which would give…
Position statement: Beaver reintroduction
2015 Position European beavers were present in the UK until the 16th century. Two populations in Scotland have recently been established: one through a licensed release at Knapdale, and one through unauthorised reintroductions on the River Tay. The Scottish Government will decide later this year whether to allow these beavers to remain. The Welsh Beaver Project is…
The Mammal Society position statement on the potential repeal of the ban on hunting with dogs in Britain
June 2015 It is often suggested that hunting foxes with dogs is both a legitimate country sport and necessary to control fox numbers and so protect economic interests. The Mammal Society is very concerned that a future repeal of the current law banning hunting with dogs would result in inadequate and anomalous protection of the…
Position statement: Re-establishment of Wild Boar in Britain
March 2015 After an absence of up to 700 years, wild boar Sus scrofa have re-established in a number of locations Britain, in particular the Weald (Kent/Sussex) and the Forest of Dean (Gloucestershire). These re-establishments are likely to result from the accidental escapes of farmed wild boar, and possibly deliberate, unlicensed releases. In recent years, some of…
