Fauna of England

England's fauna is mainly made up of small animals and is notable for having few large mammals, but in similarity with other island nations; many bird species.

England is different in respect to Scotland in its wildlife due to its slightly warmer climate, lower land levels and more dense populations, and whilst this is bad for some species of animals, it is good for others.

The fauna of England has to cope with varying temperatures and conditions, although not extreme they do pose potential challenges and adaptational measures.

Habitat destruction has led to a population decrease in the number of dormice and bank voles found in Britain.

Red squirrels are now confined to upland and coniferous-forested areas of England, mainly in the north, south west and Isle of Wight.

England's climate is very suitable for lagomorphs and the country has rabbits and brown hares which were introduced in Roman times.

These ranging in size from the weasel, stoat and European polecat (rare in England, mainly found in the Welsh Marches and heavily interbred with domestic ferrets) to the badger and pine marten, and the recently introduced mink and semiaquatic otter.

There is an ongoing debate in England about whether badgers should be culled or vaccinated in order to reduce the spread of bovine tuberculosis.

In the absence of the extinct wolf and brown bear, the largest carnivore is the red fox, the adaptability and opportunism of which has allowed it to proliferate in the urban environment.