Craibstone Critters UMAC 2024

Student Spotlight - Grace Green

Student perspective on the University Mammal Challenge from Grace Green, a team member of the Craibstone Critters at SRUC Aberdeen Campus, 2024

Figure 1: March’s UMAC 2024 Scoreboard

In January 2024 I joined the ranks of a competitive mammal spotting team the Craibstone Critters. That’s right dear readers, your girl’s a nerd.

This team exists for the sole purpose of winning the University Mammal Challenge. Across multiple locations there are multiple teams and we are a credible threat to every single one of them. There are no lengths the Craibstone Critters will not go to to spot mammals.

Well, that’s partially true. There really are no lengths we will not go to to spot mammals - over 20 camera traps, 3 footprint tunnels, 2 surveying skills engagement days, audio recording equipment. You name it, team captain Charlotte has sourced it. And there are multiple teams across the UK all competing as part of the University Mammal Challenge.

And there is a credible threat, but it’s not to the other teams, it’s to Britain's mammals. One in four of Britain’s mammals is threatened with extinction (Mammal Society, 2024). This was a surprising statistic to me. So, what can we do?

 1.    Map your mammals!

·       Download free Mammal Mapper app

·       Record mammals you see out and about, and the ones you don't

·       Contribute to understanding of Britain’s mammals

 2.    Listen out for Red Squirrels

3.    Look out for Harvest Mice

4.    Hop along with a mountain hare

 Many scientists don’t have access to time or funding to conduct extensive research needed to truly understand Britain’s mammals. This is where we all come in! Got a friend, colleague, or date who loves the outdoors? Work together to map your sightings and help save Britain’s mammals.