Land mammals
Our large mammals, the bear, the wolf, the elk and the lynx, were exterminated long ago but Scotland still has a wealth of mammals. As thousands of badger watchers will testify, our largest remaining terrestrial carnivore is a delight to see. Many mammals are protected and Scottish Natural Heritage helps to monitor their populations. If you want to help conserve mammals or just learn more about the mammals around you, you can become a member of the special interest groups like the Bat Conservation Trust 
, The Mammal Society or Scottish Badgers .
Badgers
The badger is Scotland's largest carnivore. Find out about their nocturnal habits and relationship with humans.
Pine martens
Arguably Scotland's most beautiful mammal and now expanding from their Highland stronghold.
Otters
Scotland is a European stronghold for the otter. A species recovering well as UK waterways are cleaned up.
Bats
There are at least nine species of bat in Scotland. The most numerous and familiar of these are pipistrelles.
Wildcats
You will be extremely lucky to see Scotland's wild cat - it is our most threatened mammal with perhaps only a few hundred still alive.
Other carnivores
Find out more about our other carnivores, including foxes and five members of the weasel family.
Deer
Including the majestic red deer that roam the Scottish hill, roe deer and other introduced species.
Hares and rabbits
Scotland has millions of rabbits and two species of hare, but only the mountain hare is native.
Squirrels
Scotland is destined to be the last British refuge for the red squirrel. Read about why we need to halt the spread of grey squirrel.
Other small mammals
Mice, voles and shrews are the most abundant mammals in Scotland and play a vital role in supporting key predators.
Related Links
European beaver
Once widespread, this large rodent was hunted to extinction 500 years ago. It is now undergoing a trial reintroduction in Scotland.
Last updated on Tuesday 28th September 2010 at 11:03 AM. Click here to comment on this page