1 in 5 UK mammals are facing extinction

Shock of 1st major study since 90s

AT least one in five mammals in the UK could end up extinct due to threats such as disease and loss of habitat, a study has found.

Red squirrels, wildcats and grey longeared bats are among the many at-risk species, the first major review since the 1990s revealed. There is just one known mouse-eared bat left in the country – dubbed “Lonesome George” after the giant Galapagos Islands tortoise who was the last of his species.

The few mammals that have increased in number in the past 20 years include deer, polecats, otters and wild boar.

Mammal Society chair Professor Fiona Mathews said: “If you look beyond the deer and the carnivores, it’s difficult to

Creature is among many at risk Population does not seem to rise Native species faces threats such as disease