Why identify mammals?
Mammals are often difficult to view as many are nocturnal, secretive or small. For these reasons they are often ignored in surveys except for the protected species such as bats and Badgers. Knowing what mammals are on a site can give a valuable insight into enhancing management for them and assessing their effect on other species below and above them in the food chain.
By looking at signs and tracks and using small mammal traps it is easily possible to survey any site for mammals. This will enable you to provide invaluable survey data for an often, much neglected group.
Whether you help with management of a site, wish to survey mammals or just wish to enjoy them, having a knowledge of their identification, the ways of surveying them and their habits will be a valuable asset to you.
The course
This one day course gives you the basics of how to identify mammals. As with all Project Fred courses we intend to give you the tools with which to identify the subject, so that you can then identify mammals when you are on your own.
Learn about
- Identification, both in the classroom and in the field
- Small mammal traps - the different ones and how to use and site them
- How to handle small mammals once you have caught them!
- Identifying mammals from tracks, signs and their sounds
- Books to use. We give you advice on what to look out for when choosing a mammal book and which ones we feel are best
Highlights include
- Field work - to develop identification skills and field craft
- Use of small mammal traps
- See mice and voles up close!
- Slide show covering habitats and more detailed identification characteristics
- Hand outs on identification characteristics
- Studying nuts that have been nibbled by different species
Equipment and things to bring
Firstly we often handle small mammals caught in the traps and they can bite. If you intend to handle any small mammals you must be up to date with tetanus injections.
A pair of binoculars will be useful and you may want to bring a camera - if we catch anything in the small mammal traps there can be good photographic opportunities.
A notebook and pencil are useful, plus a field guide. We shall bring copies of a range of guides, but we recommended the following as one of the better ones:
David McDonald Collins Field Guide to the Mammals of Britain and Europe. Published by Harper Collins (2005) ISBN = 0002197790
The course will involve some walking, but there will be nothing too strenuous. Strong, comfortable walking boots or shoes are therefore important, as is a good selection of appropriate clothing to the time of year. A small rucksack will also be useful for carrying your equipment. Wellingtons may be needed at some sites. Drinks and snacks can also be bought along.
Cost
£40 per person. Group size minimum 5 and maximum 15 people. Smaller groups can be catered for at a standard cost of £200 per course. Larger groups may also be accommodated. Conservation Groups and Charities may be able to get a discount. Please contact us to discuss.
