What animals live in the isles of Scilly?

The Isles of Scilly are a haven for a diverse range of wildlife, both on land and in the surrounding waters. Here are some of the animals you might encounter:

Land:

* Birds: The islands are renowned for their birdlife, including:

* Seabirds: Gannets, puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, storm petrels, kittiwakes, and shags.

* Land birds: Robins, wrens, dunnocks, skylarks, meadow pipits, starlings, and the rare chough.

* Mammals:

* Grey Seals: Breed on the islands' shores.

* Harbor Seals: Found in the surrounding waters.

* Hedgehogs: Common throughout the islands.

* Rabbits: Introduced species that have a significant impact on the ecosystem.

* Rats and Mice: Found on some islands.

* Bats: Several species, including the brown long-eared bat and the common pipistrelle.

* Reptiles:

* Lizards: Several species, including the common lizard and the slow-worm.

* Snakes: Adders are present, although they are rare.

* Insects: A diverse range of insects inhabit the islands, including butterflies, moths, bees, and beetles.

Sea:

* Fish: The surrounding waters are home to a wide variety of fish, including:

* Cod, pollock, hake, mackerel, herring, and bass.

* Sharks: Occasionally spotted, such as the basking shark and the common smooth-hound.

* Rays: Various species, including the thornback ray and the cuckoo ray.

* Whales and Dolphins:

* Minke whales, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, and harbour porpoises.

* Invertebrates:

* Crustaceans: Lobsters, crabs, and shrimps.

* Molluscs: Oysters, mussels, and whelks.

* Sea urchins, starfish, and jellyfish.

Note: The specific animals you might encounter will depend on the time of year, the location on the islands, and the current weather conditions.