Volume 7

This paper evaluates the authenticity and significance of a possible historic record of a breeding population of lynxes in the mountains near Auchencairn in the Southern Uplands of Scotland. The reference was found in Richard Pococke’s Tour of Scotland (1760). Pococke was a cleric, antiquarian and fellow of the Royal Society.

This paper uses results from a recent study to calculate the probability of detection for each survey month when using this technique including how habitat may affect the probability.

Trail cameras are a popular way of recording and studying mammals but the scope for modifying options such as focus, length of recording, time of day, image brightness, contrast etc. are limited.

Application of ancient DNA analysis and collagen fingerprinting offers new opportunities to understand the exploitation of cetaceans by human coastal communities by allowing identification of fragmentary and modified cetacean bone to species and or generic level.

A report outlining the findings of a citizen science project coordinated by the Cornwall Mammal Group. The project collected and analysed otter spraints from around the coastal fringe of Cornwall.

A report of what are thought to be the first records of harbour seal births in the south west Britain region. Although found around the coast of Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of England, harbour seals Phoca vitulina vitulina) are only occasionally seen in Wales and south west England.

Using aerial nest surveys, harvest mouse nests were counted over consecutive years at two sites in southern England. The study found that harvest mouse nest densities fluctuated over time. This supports the findings of other studies that indicate that populations of this rodent species undergo major fluctuations from year to year.