Study highlights importance of diversity to Scottish wildlife
Scottish wildcats populations are declining due to interbreeding with domestic species.
Researchers from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies have called for conservation action for Scotland’s native wildlife, after a study declared a ‘critical’ need for genetic diversity.
The report highlights the Scottish wildcat population, which conservation experts warn is under threat from interbreeding with domestic cats.
The study, considered the most comprehensive analysis of Scotland’s native wild species’ genetic health, forms part of a genetic scorecard indicator for wildlife. It is key for understanding the species’ genetic health and their ability to adapt to threats in the natural world.
Initially developed in Scotland, the Scorecard of Genetic Diversity in Wild Species is used to assess the genetic diversity within a species, and the threats and conservation actions in place. The data incorporates population size, population structure and DNA analysis across multiple species to track changes to genetic diversity over time.
The tool was first published in 2020, and has since been updated to cover marine species and a wider variety of animals, plants and fungi.
Their analysis particularly examines the genetic threats posed to Scottish species, such as interbreeding with domesticated species. It addresses the importance of new approaches to conservation, calling for the recognition of sites for genetic diversity in native trees.
Interbreeding is seriously impacting Scotland’s wildcat population, with large-scale conservation schemes in place to protect the species.
Among the projects to save the wildcats is the dedicated Saving Wildcats Conservation Breeding for Release Centre at the RZSS’s Highland Wildlife Park. As well as protecting the species, conservationists are also growing the population through releases, removing the threats to the species, and working with local communities.
Among the other species which were flagged in the report were the puffin, great yellow bumblebee, and the flame shell saltwater clam.
Prof Rob Ogden, director of conservation science at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: “We now know that genetic variation is important in biodiversity conservation worldwide. To manage genetic diversity, we need to be able to measure it and track change over time.
“Our genetic scorecard was conceived as a Scottish solution for this but has now been designed as global tool.”
The Scorecard can be read in full on the NatureScot website.
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