Fish:
* Salmon: While not as abundant as in the past, salmon still migrate up the Aire for spawning.
* Brown trout: A popular game fish, found throughout the river.
* Grayling: Favoring cleaner, colder water, they're more common in the upper reaches.
* Chub: A common and adaptable fish, found in various sections of the river.
* Barbel: These large, bottom-dwelling fish are becoming more common.
* Eels: Migratory fish that spend their lives in the river, often hiding under rocks or in mud.
* Pike: A predatory fish that hunts other fish.
Mammals:
* Otter: A sign of good water quality, otters are becoming more common.
* Water vole: These small, semi-aquatic rodents are found in the river's banks.
* Mink: While not native, mink are present in the river and can prey on other wildlife.
* Bats: Several bat species live along the river, using the banks and trees for roosting.
* Deer: While not directly in the river, deer are found in the surrounding woodland and sometimes visit the riverbanks.
Birds:
* Kingfisher: A colorful bird that dives into the river for fish.
* Grey wagtail: A common sight on the riverbanks, often seen wagging its tail.
* Dipper: A small, brown bird that dives underwater to catch insects.
* Mallard: The most common duck on the river, often seen in large numbers.
* Herons: These tall birds hunt fish and other small animals.
* Swans: Often found on the river, particularly in the wider stretches.
* Geese: Various geese species are found on the river, especially in winter.
Insects:
* Dragonflies and damselflies: Their presence indicates good water quality.
* Mayflies: An important food source for fish.
* Caddisflies: Their larvae build cases from pebbles and leaves.
* Water beetles: A variety of beetles live in the river, both on the surface and in the depths.
Other:
* Amphibians: Frogs and toads are common in the river's surroundings.
* Reptiles: Snakes and lizards can be found in the surrounding areas.
Note: The specific animals present may vary depending on the location along the River Aire and the time of year.