Long-eared Bat Plecotus sp. (probably auritus)
This bat prefers lightly wooded areas and often takes insects from foliage (Corbet and Southern,
1977). There are recent records from Loughton and Epping.
Bat species possibly occurring in the Forest
As previously stated by Corke (1979), old records, plus the known range and ecological
requirements of a number of other bat species, suggest that they may also occur in the Forest. These
include Whiskered Bat (Myotis mystacinus), Brandt's Bat (Myotis brandtii, Natterer's Bat (Myotis
nattereri), Serotine (Eptesicus serotinus) and Barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus).
Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus
The distribution of rabbits in the Forest is patchy, with the species common in some areas but
uncommon in others. The emergence of strains more resistant to myxomatosis may account for an
observed increase in recent years. Occasionally black or white rabbits are seen in the Forest,
presumably resulting from the release of domestic animals.
Brown Hare Lepus capensis
Brown Hares appear to have declined in numbers in recent years. Recent sightings include Earls
Path and Lower Wake Pond.
Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis
The earliest records for this species in Epping Forest were at Wanstead Park in 1917 and at Loughton
and Epping in the 1920s. It was not until 1938 that the species became established (Snow and Ball,
1984). Grey Squirrels are now frequent in all wooded areas of the Forest. Studies of the ectoparasites
of Grey Squirrels from Epping Forest revealed three species of lice (Snow, 1985) and a single flea
species (Snow and Ball, 1984).
Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus
Frequent in the Forest, particularly in areas of thick cover. There are many records from the grounds
of EFCC.
Field Vole Microtus agrestis
Frequent in areas of the Forest with long grass. Woodland is a marginal habitat for the species
(Corbet and Southern, 1977).
Water Vole Arvicola terrestris
Usually occurs near its favoured habitat of well vegetated banks of ponds and watercourses, but it
is not a common species. Recent records from the Ching Brook, Wanstead Park, Knighton Wood and
the grounds of EFCC.
Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus
Frequent throughout the Forest, and probably the most numerous mammal species. Although a
characteristic inhabitant of woodland and scrub, it also occurs in grass, particularly if Field Voles are
absent (Corbet and Southern, 1977). Common in gardens, where it may enter sheds and outhouses.
Yellow-necked Mouse Apodemus flavicollis
The range of this species may extend throughout the Forest, but it is far less common than the Wood
Mouse. Corke and Harris (1972) recorded that in the Essex localities where both Yellow-necked and
Wood Mice occurred together, about a fifth of the total were Yellow-necked Mice. Recent records
include from EFCC grounds and Sunshine Plain.
Harvest Mouse Micromys minutus
In the Forest is probably confined to open areas with tall grasses such as Tufted Hair-grass and
Purple Moor-grass. Recent records include from Whitehouse Plain and Sunshine Plain.' Swarms' have
been reported in the past at High Beach, probably after dry summers which are suitable for successful
breeding (Corke and Harris, 1972).
House Mouse Mus musculus
Probably locally frequent in and around houses adjacent to the Forest. Recent records from Wanstead
Park and EFCC grounds.
Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus
Occurs most commonly around ponds, for example the Wake Valley, Baldwins Hill, Potato,
Johnson's and Eagle Ponds. Recent records also from Wanstead Park and Ching Brook. Numbers
176