The Mammal Society have helped to produce a 'red list' of endangered wild mammals in the UK (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/30/quarter-of-native-uk-mammals-at-imminent-risk-of-extinction). The list is approved by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature that produces its own red lists on elephants, tigers et cetera. It is intended to help planning by government bodies responsible for the environment in England, Scotland and Wales. It seems that there is sufficient data (some species are too little documented) to support the view that 11 (25%) of the UK's wild mammal species are at 'imminent risk of extinction'. This means, in the UK, as many, fortunately, can be found elsewhere (hence beavers from Poland). Species have been threatened on our islands by combinations of habitat destruction, introduction of alien species and historical persecution. The species that are currently 'clinging on' include the Hazel dormouse, Hedgehog, Red squirrel, Water vole and Wild cat. There has been a lot of comment about deliberate (Beaver) and accidental (Wild boar) re-introductions but we really do have to look better after the species we have already got!
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