1997 No. 52 Part 1 - Bedfordshire Natural History Society

Bedfordshire Naturalist for 1997, No. 52 (Part 1) (1998)
MAMMALS
by CliffTack
Review of 1997
Once again records were received from nearly one hundred observers and it is thanks
to them that we can publish such a detailed mammal report.There were 28 species
recorded during the year with another 450 tetrads marked onto the distribution maps.
For the first three years ofthe survey we now have 2,560 tetrads mapped for 34
species. This· is a fantastic effort by all concerned and I send my thanks to them all
whether an observer with a single record or the stalwarts with many.
Red-neckedWallabies have become a regular feature ofthe mammal reports in
recent years and 1997 was no exception.With three records during the year there must
be a continuous escape from captivity or an ability to live wild in Bedfordshire.
There were two more species ofexotica reported during the year namelyWild Boar,
Sus scrofa, and Mara, Dolichotis patagona. Together with a belated 1996 report of
Chipmunks, Eutamias sp.,it seems there is no end to what can turn up in Bedfordshire.
We welcome all records just in case a species mirrors the success in establishing itselfof
Grey Squirrel or Muntjac Deer.
Small mammal records were abundant in 1997 withYellow-necked Mouse being
reported from three sites. The difficulty in identifying them fromWood Mice probably
masks their true distribution. Another pleasing record was that Dormouse was found in
another tetrad in the county. Its relative the Fat or Edible Dormouse was found in
three more tetrads and early indications are that it is increasing in Bedfordshire which
is at the northern mbst part ofits very restricted ra~ge, perhaps aided by a series of
mild winters.
The carnivores in the county were all well recorded although the roads still take a
heavy toll. Once again Badger road kills reached the 50 mark.
Also, 11 ofthe 12 Ferret and Polecat records came from road kills. It is good to have
the reports coming in but frustrating not to get more detail. Only two ofthe twelve
were identified to a species so we really do need to collect the bodies or at least
photograph them for identification purposes.With such a large number ofrecords it is
probable that Polecat, Feral Ferret or perhaps both are breeding in Bedfordshire.We
just need to prove it!
Otter records are also increasing but as yet we have no evidence ofcubs being born
in Bedfordshire to sustain the population. Dave Odell was lucky enough to see one in
its riparian habitat whereas Linda Parsons saw hers crossing the new Bedford bypass.
Unfortunately, her husband Dave, a county mammal enthusiast, was not with her at the
time.
Deer records were the only disappointment ofthe year with only three species
recorded during 1997 against the six species we had in 1996. Having said that the three
species we did record, Chinese Water, Fallow and Muntjac, all showed an increase in
the number ofrecords and, like the majority ofmammals included in the report, seem
to be doing well in Bedfordshire.
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