Vanishing Wildlife: A Sound Guide to Britain’s Endangered Species

Hear sounds of some of the most elusive species of birds, mammals, insects and frogs in Britain. Many inhabit the wildest parts of our island and all are protected by law. Some of the creatures have declined in numbers due to changes in habitat or other causes, or have always been scarce. Others are on the verge of extinction in this country and are the subject of reintroduction projects by conservation bodies. This compilation of 31 species will highlight the extraordinary diversity of some of our most precious fauna and the variety of sounds that are disappearing or rarely heard. All the recordings were made by skilled nature sound recordists in Britain in heathlands, forests, wetlands and coast. The attractive churring song of the Mole Cricket is perhaps one of the rarest recordings: this insect is probably extinct, there being only four confirmed individuals discovered since 1970. The New Forest Cicada is likewise extinct from its last Hampshire stronghold. The Pool Frog was only discovered to be a native amphibian after its extinction in Britain, and after the recording presented on this on the CD was made. Initially, the recording was thought to be of a related frog species. The distinctive call of the Corncrake was once heard throughout Britain, but the bird is now restricted to a few hundred individuals in west and north Scotland. The Scottish Crossbill is Britain’s only unique species, endemic to pine forests in Scotland. The Wildcat is uncommon, confined to Scotland. Perhaps the most peculiar sound among our birds is the foghorn-like booming of the Bittern, a species that teetered on the edge of extinction in this country but is gradually increasing numbers in its few wetland strongholds. While the Otter was also widespread across Britain, and is still very scarce, thanks to conservation efforts and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan it is making gradual comeback in its former haunts.