8 Rare Wildlife Species in the UK and Where to Spot Them

While we tend to associate the United Kingdom with its beautiful landscapes and historical landmarks, there is another extraordinary biodiversity that thrives within its borders – its rare and elusive animal inhabitants! From majestic birds to secretive mammals, the UK is a place where amazing animals live. In the past, many of these species were commonly found in Britain, but due to environmental and other factors, their populations have sadly decreased.

There’s so much to learn about these animals, including their special abilities and the important efforts to protect them, so we’ve put together a list of 8 of the rarest wildlife species found in the UK. So grab your binoculars, put on your walking shoes, and uncover the hidden wonders of the UK’s rarest wildlife.

Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

Red Squirrel

Red squirrels are one of the UK’s most well-known creatures, but also one of the rarest animals in the UK. Found in coniferous forests, red squirrels have been spotted across Europe and Asia. Around 75% of red squirrels can be found in Scotland, particularly the forests of Dumfries and Galloway.

Once extremely common, there are only around 120,000 red squirrels left in the UK, compared to the whopping 2.5 million grey squirrels we have today. There are several causes for the decline of red squirrels in the UK, most notably competition from grey squirrels introduced from North America. Grey squirrels are not only bigger and able to forage better, they’re also resistant to Squirrelpox disease, which they can actually pass on to red squirrels without being affected themselves.

With their thin fluffy tails and bold orange coat, you’re most likely to spot a red squirrel in the UK during Autumn while they forage for food. If you spot a red squirrel in Scotland, you can report your sighting online to the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels campaign.

Where to find red squirrels: Dumfries, Galloway, Northumberland, The Lake District, Isle of Wight

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)

Capercaillie

The UK is home to many unique species of birds, one of which is the Capercaillie, a large bird around the size of a turkey. In typical avian fashion, males have distinct colouring and can be recognised by the bright red wattle above their eye, whereas females are usually brown and grey. These unique birds are herbivores and eat mostly vegetation found in the native pine forests of Scotland.

Capercaillie were actually extinct in the UK up until the 1830s, when they were brought from Sweden and reintroduced to Scotland. However, populations have not been consistent, and today the Capercaillie is on the IUCN UK Red List of Threatened Species with fewer than 2,000 birds remaining. They can be spotted in forests of Scotland such as Badenoch and Strathspey, as well as Cairngorms National Park where an estimated 85% of the UK capercaillie population now lives.

Where to find capercaillie: Badenoch, Strathspey, Cairngorms National Park

Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis)

Sand Lizard

Sand Lizards are one of the rarest reptiles in the United Kingdom. Found on sand dunes and dry lowland heath, there are only a few colonies in the UK, confined to coastal areas including Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset and Merseyside.

In the 1970s, 39 sand lizards were released by scientists to see if they could survive in colder temperatures further north. Evidently this experiment had some success as the colony of sand lizards still exists today. The reptiles have also been introduced to other areas across the South of England, Lancashire, Wales, and the Isle of Coll in Scotland.

You can tell apart Lacerta agilis from more common lizards by their wider bodies and distinct eye spot markings. They are also the only native UK lizard species to lay eggs (known as ‘oviparity’), whereas the common lizards and slow worms give birth to live young (viviparity).

Loss of dune and heath habitats are the driving force behind the sand lizard’s dwindling numbers. As areas lose their natural vegetation and heathland breaks down into isolated areas, the population of sand lizards has decreased to the point where they are on the IUCN UK Red List of Threatened Species.

Where to find sand lizards: Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey, West Sussex, Lancashire

Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita)

Natterjack Toad

The Natterjack toad is one of the UK’s rarest amphibians. Found along coasts in the UK, it prefers shallow water on sand dunes, heaths and saltmarshes, where the warm water is needed for these toads to breed. Sadly, there are only a few Natterjack colonies left in the UK. These are found in East Anglia, along the south east coast, and at Red Rocks Nature Reserve in Wirral, Merseyside.

Natterjack toads feature a thin bold yellow stripe down the middle of their back, and strangely they walk on their short legs instead of hopping. They’re named for the males’ distinct cry which can be heard from up to a mile away during the Spring, making it the UK’s loudest amphibian!

A combination of water pollution, losing coastal habitats and competing with other wildlife has led to a decreased population of Natterjack toads in the UK. They’re protected by the 1975 Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act, meaning it’s illegal to kill, injure or disturb the toads or damage their habitat. So, if you are lucky enough to spot a Natterjack, try to keep a good distance and stay downwind to avoid disturbing it – don’t worry, you’ll definitely still hear if it croaks its loud cry!

Where to find Natterjack toads: Merseyside, Cumbria, Scottish Solway

Pine Marten (Martes martes)

Pine Marten

Pine Martens are usually spotted in the northern and western regions across Scotland, Wales and parts of England. They belong to the family of mammals known as mustelids, which includes weasels, otters, badgers, ferrets, minks, and other similar species.

Despite being one of the cutest animals found in the UK, most people have never seen a pine marten up close. Roughly the size of a domestic cat, these mammals have a long, furry body, pointed face, and a long bushy tail. They’re easily identified by their dark brown fur and cream markings on the neck and chest. Once the second most common carnivore in the UK, pine martens are now a rare and special sight. They’re nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, and prefer to live deep in forests where they climb trees and hunt prey using their long, sharp claws.

A loss of habitat and deforestation have drastically reduced the population of Pine Martens, but conservation efforts have helped bring populations to a stable number around northern parts of the UK.

Where to find pine martens: Scottish Highlands, Forest of Dean, New Forest

Small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae)

Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly

Once one of the most common butterflies seen across the UK in Spring and Autumn, the Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly might seem like an odd choice on our list of rare wildlife. However, over the past few years these butterflies have had a significant decline in numbers.

You’ll most likely have seen one fluttering around in fields or your garden, with distinctive orange and black markings on its wings. These intricate patterns help to camouflage the butterfly from danger. But natural predators are not the reason tortoiseshell butterflies have become rare in the UK. An increased use of pesticides has contributed to bringing population numbers down, as well as a reduction in the insect’s natural home – the stinging nettle. Yes, these irritating plants are actually vital to the environment! An increase in Sturmia bella, a species of parasitic fly, has also led to the widespread butterfly becoming harder to find in the UK.

With their numbers falling by more than 75% since 1976, conservation efforts have been made towards creating and maintaining suitable habitats for Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies. This includes planting stinging nettles, and raising awareness about the importance of preserving butterfly-friendly environments.

Where to find small tortoiseshell butterfly: Almost anywhere!

Scottish wildcat (Felis silvestris grampia)

Scottish Wildcat

The Scottish Wildcat, also known as the Highland Tiger, is a critically endangered species native to mountainous areas of Scotland. It is one of the UK’s most elusive and rarest animals, making encounters with these creatures incredibly rare.

These wildcats are primarily found in regions of the Scottish Highlands such as Cairngorms National Park and the Isle of Mull. They are well-adapted to survive in the harsh and cold Scottish climate, with their dense fur and muscular bodies providing insulation and agility for long journeys in the mountains. Their thick tabby stripes make them look very similar to a domestic house cat, while their broad facial features show their true wild, untamed nature.

Sadly, Scottish Wildcats face several problems which result in a lower population, including deforestation, human interference and even hybridisation (where wildcats breed with domestic cats). Many conservation efforts are being made to protect and restore Scottish Wildcat habitats, including breeding programs, in hopes that this beautiful and unique species can be protected and cherished by future generations.

Where to find Scottish wildcat: Scottish Highlands

Turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur)

Turtle Dove

The Turtle Dove, scientifically known as Streptopelia turtur, is a migratory bird that visits the United Kingdom during the summer months. They are mostly found living in woodlands, hedgerows, and farmland in the south and eastern regions of England and Wales.

Once a common sight, Turtle Doves have become increasingly rare in the last few decades. Like many of the creatures on this list, turtle doves have suffered from losing their natural habitats. Intensive farming and destruction of wildflowers have made nesting and breeding difficult for these peaceful birds.

You may recognise a turtle dove from its gentle purring call and soft grey-brown plumage. They stand out from other similar species of bird thanks to the black and white striped patch on the side of its neck. During flight, their wings make a distinctive whistling sound, further adding to their beautiful nature.

Conservation efforts for Turtle Doves aim to restore and create suitable habitats, promote sustainable farming practices, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving these beautiful birds. With continued efforts, it’s possible to secure a future where the gentle purring of Turtle Doves can once again be heard all over the UK.

Where to find turtle doves: East Anglia, Suffolk, South England

Now you’ve been introduced to some of the unique animals that live alongside us, it’s time to head out and meet them for yourself! Discover some of the best locations in the UK to spot amazing wildlife with our extensive Guide to Wildlife Spots across England, Scotland and Wales.

If you’re lucky enough to spot any of these rare creatures in the UK, be sure to keep a safe distance and don’t disturb them. Together, we can all do our part in protecting the rich and diverse wildlife that shares the planet with us.

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