Millions of us have never seen common native animals in real life such as owls, hedgehogs, and badgers, according to a new report released today. The research identifies Britain’s most elusive animals with the easily camouflaged nocturnal bird the nightjar topping the list with only 7% of Brits having seen one in the wild.
Protected species and woodland native the pine marten came in as second least seen (11%) alongside the solitary pygmy shrew (11%). The new study, which surveyed 2,000 Brits, was commissioned by Samsung.
Other creatures’ adults haven’t seen in their natural habitats include the dormouse (87%), muntjac deer (82%) and pipistrelle bat (84%). Grass snakes remain a mystery for 71% whilst 76% haven’t set eyes on a tawny owl and only 28% claiming to have seen a badger.
The top 20 most seldom spotted creatures are revealed as:
1. Nightjar (7%)
2. Pine marten (11%)
3. Pygmy shrew (11%)
4. Hazel dormouse (13%)
5. Beaver (13%)
6. Golden eagle (15%)
7. Otter (15%)
8. Pipistrelle bat (16%)
9. Stoat (17%)
10. Water vole (17%)
11. Puffin (17%)
12. Muntjac deer (18%)
13. Cuckoo (19%)
14. Mole (23%)
15. Tawny owl (24%)
16. Sparrowhawk (26%)
17. Kingfisher (28%)
18. Badger (28%)
19. Roe deer (28%)
20. Grass snake (29%)
Respondents were asked which of the UK’s most elusive creatures they had seen in the wild, with two thirds (66%) revealing they have never seen Britain’s native red squirrel and 47% claiming to have never seen a hedgehog. Four in ten (41%) of those surveyed said they didn’t know bats were native to the UK, despite the nocturnal creatures representing a quarter of all indigenous mammals in Britain.
Almost a third of Brits (36%) weren’t aware that species of deer could be found in cities, even though the deer population in the UK is at the highest it’s been for over 1,000 years. Does and stags are regularly spotted in urban areas and villages around the UK.
Over a quarter of respondents (27%) admitted they’d only had the opportunity to see wildlife like owls, bats, and badgers when at wildlife sanctuaries or zoos. Wildlife populations are growing across UK cities making it easier than ever to spot critters in the back garden or crossing city roads, with London alone being home to more than 15,000 known species across birds, insects, and mammals.
Samsung has partnered with TV and radio presenter Angellica Bell to create a video guide to help the public spot and safely capture photography of British wildlife using the Galaxy S22 and its night mode and Pro camera functions. The guide follows wildlife photographers Ian Wood and Kyle Moore as they spot and snap pictures of Britain’s most elusive animals including badgers, hedgehogs, and deer.
Dr Bryony Tolhurst, Lecturer in ecology at the University of Brighton said: “It’s no surprise that the Nightjar and the Pine Marten are named as the UK’s most elusive animals as they only live in certain places and are secretive and hard to spot. Despite popular belief, UK towns and cities aren’t devoid of wildlife at all and in fact are home to a wide array of mammals, birds, and insects. Some of the animals on the list are nocturnal and live on our doorsteps, so some of the best opportunities to see the animals is when the sun starts going down.”
Ashrita Seshadri, Head of Brand Marketing at Samsung UK said: “When developing the Samsung Galaxy S22, we wanted to give our community the most advanced camera experience possible. Night Mode allows users to capture amazing shots in lowlight and night-time conditions making it the ultimate tool for the urban wildlife photographer just as these illusive animals come to life.”
Angellica Bell said: “In the UK’s built-up urban cities, it’s easy to forget just how many amazing animals are living alongside us. From the urban fox on the prowl to a herd of deer living in a housing estate, it was incredible to work with two talented wildlife photographers who were able to capture unbelievable footage of these animals. Following their simple tips, you could be on your way to becoming an accomplished wildlife snapper in no time, and capture some of our incredible wildlife too!”
The Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone series features Night Mode technology which takes ultra-high-quality Nightography photos and videos in low-light conditions.
