If you traveled back 250-500 years what #wildlife could you see near you? After a four year research project, I can tell you the answer in Britain and Ireland and it is quite exciting! (🐺🐆🐰🦈🦐🐍)!
My Atlas of Early Modern Wildlife will be published in June, but I have special permission to share some of my findings before that, so I will be releasing one map each month here. Here is a list of previously released ones: https://historyandnature.wordpress.com/2022/12/21/atlas-maps/
#gis
December's historical wildlife map is of the (harbour/grey) #seal! According to my research, seals were widespread around Britain and Ireland 250-500 years ago! 🐕🧜♀️
Interestingly, seals started to decline after the end of the #EarlyModern period due to increased hunting. Around 1900 they had become so rare that they had to be legally protected. They have recovered pretty well since, and it's now pupping season, so look out for them if you walk on the coast this winter! 🌊🔭 #histodons #mammals
@LeafyHistory we still see seals at those points from Culross in Fife up to Aberdeen.
@mistyuk wow I am jealous!! You will have to post a pic (or maybe wait until they are gone for safety!) 💚
@LeafyHistory yes, in Culross and St Cyrus this year 😊