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THE ESSEX NATURALIST
Notes on the Mammals of Essex
By M. Seear
Introduction
The object of these notes is to present a summary of the records
of Essex mammals received up to 1961. It is hoped to publish
such notes annually in The Essex Naturalist. As this is the
first appearance of notes on the mammals of Essex, it has been
considered desirable to give a brief historical background for each
species as far as this is known. For fuller information, the litera-
ture referred to should be consulted.
It will be apparent from these notes that there are many and
considerable gaps in our knowledge of the distribution of even
allegedly common species, due largely to the comparatively small
amount of observation reported until fairly recently. If a species
on the British list is not referred to here, it does not of course,
mean that this species does not occur in Essex, but only that it
has not been recorded. Similarly, it will be evident that some
species will be more numerous and widespread than is inferred by
the records.
It is hoped that these notes will stimulate additional observa-
tion, as every member of the Essex Field Club can add to what
is known of the mammals of the county. Every observation
reported is carefully recorded, and it must be emphasised that the
greatest value is attached to notes of the occurrence of the most
commonly seen animals, such as Hedgehogs, Rabbits, Brown Rats,
and House Mice, as well as to the rarer species. In fact it is often
the case that the true status of such creatures is imperfectly under-
stood simply because they are taken for granted, and not
considered noteworthy. Rapid changes in the status of species,
for example the Red Squirrel, which was once extremely common
in Essex, make it important that all mammals be as fully docu-
mented as possible. Note should also be taken of the decrease or
disappearance of a mammal population in a particular locality.
It should be borne in mind that some mammal species are to
be found in towns and suburbs as well as in the countryside.
Deaths of mammals due to road traffic, the catches of domestic
cats, and the corpses displayed on gamekeepers' gibbets, all pro-
vide valuable information if reported, in addition to direct
observation of living animals. It is advisable to make a written
note of each observation as soon as possible after the event, while
it is still freshly remembered. The information most needed is
the species and number of animals seen, the location as exactly
as possible, and the date. Such notes should then be forwarded to
the Recorder for Mammals.