Mammal expert entertains society with talk on badgers
The Arran Natural History Society was fortunate to receive a talk about badgers from acknowledged mammal expert Roger Cottis at their recent meeting. When it was discovered that Roger would be on the island doing a survey on badgers, he was approached by the Arran Natural History Society and he readily agreed to talk to the members.
Roger has been studying mammals for many years through the Mammal Society, with badgers and otters being the main species. He was a founder member of Staffordshire Badger Conservation Group in the mid1980s and, since moving to Scotland 25 years ago, joined Scottish Badgers, with whom he is currently vice-chairman. Among other things he has responsibility for training Forestry Commission Scotland and private sector operatives when dealing with badgers and otters in relation to either forestry planting or harvesting.
Roger’s illustrated presentation covered badger biology and their national distribution with an explanation of how badgers were introduced on Arran. The first mention of them is in Glen Sannox sometime between 1872 and 1895.
Roger shared his extensive knowledge and experience and showed tracks, trails and signs in a variety of habitats and offered advice on how to survey. Roger also outlined the laws protecting this much persecuted animal.
This fascinating and warmly appreciated talk was the society’s final indoor meeting of the season.