Leicestershire and Rutland Mammal Group
The Leicestershire and Rutland Mammal Group aims to promote interest in local mammals, and to encourage more recording of these animals. We would like people to send in records of any mammals they see, or that they identify by one or more of their field signs. We are particularly interested in anyone who wants to join in a local project, or to lead on one of their own, to help our understanding of these often elusive creatures.
2nd Mammal Spotter Competition! 1st - 31st August 2023
Last year 421 mammal records were collected from our Spotters. This year we are hoping to beat that with a target of 500 records over the next 31 days. We hope you will take part and help record mammals - whether common or rare from every corner of Leicestershire and Rutland. Whether you see them in your garden, local park, campus or car park, we want to know so that we can help with native mammal conservation in the UK.
Knowing that there are some keen spotters out there, we have separated it into Under and Over 18 Individual and Group Prizes.
We hope you enjoy the Challenge and take part. Just email or Facebook us to register to receive your Welcome Pack and start recording
Spotter Leader Board
Under 18 Team: 1st Elisa's team 162 points 2nd Jeremy & Saul 108 points
Over 18 Team: 1st Graham & Maggie 11 points
Over 18 Indiv: 1st Don W 145 points 2nd Kaye 110 points
Where to find mammals
Whilst many mammals are common they are often hard to see, though signs of their presence are all around us. It is perfectly acceptable to record mammals from their tracks and signs providing you can identify the species. Mole hills, droppings, hair, footprints, etc., are all useful evidence that can often be identified to a specific species. We will provide and update guides on how to help identify one field sign from another as well as verify any records sent in when needed. Records based on road kill sightings are also acceptable.
The mammals gallery on NatureSpot includes images of many species and their field signs which is growing all the time as we spot more. All have been taken in Leicestershire or Rutland so there is a good chance of finding these species or their field signs too.
What mammals to record
We are interested in records of ALL mammals found in Leicestershire and Rutland (VC55) - both common and rare, whether from your garden, your local park, place or work, regular walking route or from a nature reserve.
You don't need to have a photo to accompany your record for common species, but when recording those species that are less easy to identify, or if using field signs only, it may be helpful to add an image as it can help us to verify that your records are correct. Please see the guidance where this is required for certain species of mammals. Records submitted for uncommon species may also require a few notes to explain the key features that enabled you to identify the species.
Where to send mammal records
The easiest way to submit your wildlife records (for mammals and all other animals and plants) is to use the online recording form on NatureSpot. All submitted records are passed on to the local recording schemes for you. Just visit the Submit Records form and follow the simple instructions. A short video guide is available if needed.
If you haven't got access to a computer then you can submit paper records to the Group. Request one from the Mammal Group from the contact email address shown below.
Mammal tracks and signs
Most mammals are difficult to see due to being nocturnal, secretive or small. However with a bit of detective work you can find signs of their presence and this is usually sufficient evidence to record them.
Contact details
Trail cameras
Here are a selection of mammal videos caught on trail cameras on various Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves. This is an excellent way of finding out what mammals are in your garden too, but please note that you should ask permission of any land owner before you use any recording equipment.
Badger - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n4pyZHYyZU
Fox - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj-_cfhK7aw
Hares - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VbKgztLCSk
Squirrel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPJBB_3FcY0
Muntjac - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfbeX9aD4H8
National schemes you can get involved in
As well as getting involved with projects run by the Leicestershire & Rutland Mammal Group you can find out about other national projects and recording at the websites below
The Mammal Society; Bat Conservation Trust's - National Bat Monitoring Programme; People's Trust for Endangered Species PTES
Links to Leicestershire & Rutland mammal groups (specific mammal genus/species)
The Leicestershire & Rutland Badger Group:
Like us on Facebook and Twitter
Look for - Leics.RutlandMammalGroup Leics&RutlandMammalGroup