Twelve Important Species

Throughout the Meet the Species project we'll be ticking off 2012 species right across the UK. Explore the list of 2000 species in our Field Guide. We've also picked out twelve feature species where organisations are running national surveys this year to find out more information. We're hoping to be able to add lots more records into the surveys, and need your help!

Western European Hedgehog - Erinaceus europaeus

The Eurasian Hedgehog is one of Britain’s best loved mammals and our only mammal with spines instead of fur! They are frequent visitors to our gardens, although as their name suggests these familiar mammals prefer the comfort of the hedgerow. Unfortunately, hedgehog numbers are in dramatic decline. Thousands of them die on our roads each year and intensive farming practices are destroying their preferred habitat in rural areas. The Peoples Trust for Endangered Species is trying to find out more.

Harbour porpoise - Phocoena phocoena

The Harbour Porpoise is the smallest marine mammal in European waters; in fact one of the smallest marine mammals in the world. It is similar to a dolphin but much more secretive and because of this, it is a lot harder to spot! The Harbour Porpoise is thought to have undergone a substantial decline over the last fifty years, with the species becoming rare in certain areas. Although reasons for this status change are not known for certain; pollution, disturbance, lack of food and entanglement in fishing nets are all part of the story. The Sea Watch Foundation is trying to find out more.

Harlequin Ladybird - Harmonia axyridis

The Harlequin Ladybird was originally introduced to continental Europe from Asia in order to control agricultural pests –on average an individual can eat over 12,000 aphids in a year. Unfortunately, they prey on more than just pest insects including the larvae of other ladybirds, moths and butterflies. Since they arrived in Great Britain in 2004 their spread up the country has been closely monitored by the Harlequin ladybird survey, whose research team are exploring how to control the invasion and how to protect our native species. The UK Ladybird Survey is trying to find out more.

Tree Bee – Bombus hypnorum

This very striking bee was first discovered in the UK in 2001 by directors from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BCCT). It is native to continental Europe so sightings in the UK indicates the Tree Bee is expanding its range. It’s even thought to be the first new species of bumblebee found in the UK for more than 150 years! This is positive news against a backdrop of dramatic declines in our other bee species. BBCT are working with the Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society to track the spread of the Tree Bee.

Stag Beetle – Lucanus cervus

Stag beetles are one of the largest and most charismatic insects in the UK, they can grow larger than a matchbox in size! The males appear to have huge antlers but they are in fact over-sized mandibles used in courtship displays and to wrestle other male beetles.Historically the stag beetle has been recorded throughout much of Western Europe. Today it is now thought to be very rare or even extinct in many countries. In the UK their range is now limited to the South. The Peoples Trust for Endangered Species is trying to find out more.

Slow worm – Anguis fragilis

Contrary to what their name suggests these animals are in fact legless lizards and can move very quickly when required! They feed mainly on soft bodied insects including slugs, worms and beetles. Slow worms can be found throughout mainland Britain although they are most common in Wales and South West England. Slow worms spend the majority of time in deep vegetation or in overgrown areas of rough grassland, scrub and heath land however there is concern that their numbers may be in decline, due to the destruction of their habitat. The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is trying to find out more.

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus

This small brown bird is a familiar sight in Britain, and in fact is one of the most common bird species on earth. Perky and bustling, they are usually seen in small groups flitting around gardens and hedgerows.Unfortunately over the last 25 years the population has declined by over 60%. Scientists think that this has been caused by a combination of reduced plant food in winter, reduced insect availability for chicks, and fewer available nest sites. On farmland, changes in agricultural practices are also making a difference. The British Trust for Ornithology is trying to find out more.

Swift - Apus apus

The swift is one of the last summer migrants to arrive in the UK after a long flight over from Africa. They spend their life almost entirely on the wing and even feed, sleep and mate in flight. It is estimated that an individual flies an average of 500 miles a day! Unfortunately over the last 10 years their numbers have dramatically declined. One possible reason may be that their nest sites are being destroyed through various means. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is trying to find out more.

Garden Tiger Moth – Arctia caja

The Garden Tiger Moth is one of Britain’s most striking moth species. It can be seen throughout the UK from June till August, and over the winter months you may even spot the larvae. The larvae is also known as ‘woolly bears’ because of their very hairy appearance! Unfortunately this species and many other British moths are in dramatic decline. Loss of these species also affects the mammals, bats and many bird species that feed on them. Butterfly Conservation are trying to find out more.

Chamomile - Chamaemelum nobile

Chamomile is a member of the daisy family, and looks a bit like our common ‘daisy chain’ daisy, although its flowers are much bigger. It has an apple scent and its Latin name actually means ‘ground apple’.It was found historically on sandy commons, cliff-top grasslands and clearings in damp woods in Britain. Sadly, northern populations have all but disappeared and it has now even become scarce in the south, where it was once widespread.  Plantlife are trying to find out more.

Cowslip - Primula veris

One of the best know spring flowering plants, cowslips used to be much more common in the UK. In fact they used to be a popular ingredient in wine! Due to the use of herbicides and the ploughing of grasslands, the numbers of cowslips have dramatically dropped over the years. To try and reverse this decline cowslips have been planted on road verges; wildflower seed mixtures have been sown; and grazing has been reduced in certain areas.  Plantlife are trying to find out more.                                                                                                                                                                                           

Native Oyster – Ostrea edulis

Oysters were once abundant all around the coast of Britain and were so common they were known as “poor man’s food”. Over the years numbers of oysters have dropped dramatically and they are now considered a ‘luxury food’. Overfishing, pollution and invasive parasites have led to this decline. Not only is this bad news for the oysters themselves, but also for the many other marine creatures, including crabs, worms, sea snails, sponges, sea urchins, and seaweed that make oyster beds their home. The Marine Biological Association are trying to find out more.