UK Animals

Most large UK animals became extinct many years ago. There are however still a good variety of mammals to be found both on land and in seas around the UK coast.

More UK Animal images:

Some of best known UK animals:

Larger Mammals

European Otter (Lutra lutra)– The Otter found in the UK. Scotland is home to 90% of the UK population. This, above all, making Scotland a stronghold for our Otter population.
Pine Marten (Martes martes)– Once almost extinct in the UK. However the Pine Marten now has a growing population in the UK. In Scotland their range continues to extend from the North West. Further population spread now extends to Wales and England.
Scottish Wild Cat – The Scottish Wildcat is probably Scotland’s rarest mammal. Less than one hundred remain in the wild. In addition there are concerns over cross breeding with feral cats. This above all is a risk to preservation of the species. You can find out more about Scottish Wildcat at – http://www.scottishwildcats.co.uk/
Red Deer – Throughout much of Scotland the Red Deer is very common.
Roe Deer – Less common than the Red Deer and more localised.
Badger – Common within most of the UK and Scotland.
Fox – Widespread within much of the UK and Scotland. Fox are also common around many towns and cities. Therefore termed as Urban Fox. Further information about Fox can be found at – http://www.thefoxwebsite.net/
European beaver (Castor fiber) – The European or Eurasian Beaver became extinct in Scotland around 400 years ago. The beaver is currently the subject of re-introduction schemes in Scotland. Further information can be found here http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/beavers/

Medium Mammals:

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus) – Believed to be the only native species of Rabbit or Hare to be found in the UK and Scotland.
Squirrel – The Red squirrel is the native UK species. They are however localised in the the UK. On the other hand Grey Squirrels were first introduced from America are more widespread in the UK.
Stoat (Mustela erminea) – Very common throughout much of Scotland.
Weasel (Mustela nivalis) – Less common than the Stoat but still common

Other small Mammals:

Shrews – The UK is home to three species of shrew. Firstly the Common shrew being the most widespread. In addition the Pigmy Shrew and Water Shrew are also present.
Water Vole (Arvicola amphibious)
Field Vole (Microtus agrestis)
Wood Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus)
Orkney Vole – This is a variant of the common vole. But is only found in the Orkneys
St Kilda Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus hirtensis) – A sub species of the wood mouse. This variant is however unique to St Kilda.
Hedgehog
Bats – There are up to 17 species of bats found in Scotland. Some such as the Pipistrelle are common and widespread. Others however are rare and localised. Further information about bats can be found here.

Cetaceans – Marine Mammals:

Cetaceans are to be found around the UK coast. Some of those most commonly found.

Atlantic white-sided Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus)
Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncates). The most common Dolphin. There are however three sub species world wide.
Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
Orca (Orcinus orca) also known as Killer Whale
Long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas)
Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) also known as lesser rorqual.
Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus)
Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
White-beaked Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris)

SNH publish a good booklet on Whales and Dolphins. This provides information about wildlife, such as Whales, etc found in waters around Scotland. Downloaded the 58 page booklet here.