Why mammals matter

More than a quarter of UK mammal species face local extinction

The decline or loss of any species can have serious and far-reaching impact, and mammals big and small are no exception. The extinctions of wolves, beavers and boar from our landscapes in previous centuries has had lasting ecological and cultural impact. We now risk losing a swathe of vital species, most much smaller than these, yet no less important. Whether controlling insect populations, playing a key role in seed dispersal and pollination, providing food for larger predators, or even acting as ecosystem engineers to bring benefits for people and nature alike, mammals are vital components of healthy and functioning ecosystems. 

However despite their ecological importance and their iconic status in our culture, mammals are often among the most elusive and therefore under-recorded species in a landscape. The powerful insights presented in the State of Nature Report demonstrate the value of collecting data on wildlife populations, and emphasises the importance of the work of grassroots wildlife recorders such as the Mammal Society’s network of Local Mammal Groups.