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 … [Read more...] about Position statement: Beaver reintroduction
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.
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 … [Read more...] about The Mammal Society position statement on the potential repeal of the ban on hunting with dogs in Britain
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, … [Read more...] about Position statement: Re-establishment of Wild Boar in Britain
Response to the Public Consultation: Controlling the Spread of BTb in High Incidence Areas in England: Badger Culling
A more up-to-date statement on badgers and bovine tuberculosis is now available and can be found here. December 2010 The Mammal Society works to protect British mammals, halt the decline of threatened species, and advises on all issues affecting British mammals. We therefore welcome the … [Read more...] about Response to the Public Consultation: Controlling the Spread of BTb in High Incidence Areas in England: Badger Culling
Hedgehogs on the Uists
2007 The Mammal Society regrets the introduction of hedgehogs to the Uists, their release on several other British islands, and their sale around the world as part of the pet trade. These actions are extremely irresponsible. Introduced species are a major cause of species loss worldwide. Predation … [Read more...] about Hedgehogs on the Uists
Whaling is unnecessary
2007 Summary The Mammal Society is issuing this statement because unless non-whaling countries force some progress on the development of the Revised Management Scheme, the whaling that is happening will drift further out of international control and there is a danger that the IWC will no longer be … [Read more...] about Whaling is unnecessary
Position statement: Achieving the Sustainable Management of Wild Deer in England
Response by The Mammal Society to the joint DEFRA and Forestry Commission consultation. 2007 Summary The Mammal Society welcomes this review of the problems concerning the management of deer in England, but notes that this is a Great Britain-wide problem, and the management of … [Read more...] about Position statement: Achieving the Sustainable Management of Wild Deer in England
