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Volunteers sought to record mammal sightings in their gardens
"Living with Mammals is something positive we can do at a difficult time." - David Wembridge, PTES.

Wildlife charity urges public to aid in conservation while staying at home

The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is calling for volunteers to assist in conservation efforts during lockdown by recording wildlife sightings in their gardens.

As part of PTES’ annual Living with Mammals survey, which began on 30 March, people are being asked to spend a little time each week recording sightings of mammals – or the signs they leave behind, such as tracks or droppings – in their gardens, or from their windows or balconies.

This information will be used to help conservationists to understand how wildlife populations are changing and will inform future conservation projects.
People in Scotland and northern England are particularly encouraged to participate, as fewer people live in these regions than in the south, so there are fewer records of mammal numbers available.

“For a species like hedgehogs, that are still widespread but whose numbers have been going down, it’s as important to get as good an idea of how they’re doing in Scotland, say, as elsewhere, where we have more records.” Explains David Wembridge, mammal surveys coordinator at PTES.

“And for species whose strongholds are in the north, these might be the majority of records we receive. Three-quarters of red squirrels, for example, and almost all pine martens, in Britain are found in Scotland. So, we’re keen to hear from anyone living there or in the north of England.”

“Surveys like Living with Mammals, which run annually, are the only way to tell if our conservation work is working, and where it’s needed. To date over 3,000 gardens across Britain have been surveyed by volunteers, which is fantastic, but we still need more records to help us understand, and encourage, the wild mammals on our doorstep.”

To take part in the 2020 survey please visit the PTES website. PTES is also encouraging the public to share their wildlife photos using #LivingWithMammals. 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.