5 Endangered Animals in Scotland

The State of Nature Report shows 1 in 9 species face national extinction in Scotland, with 407 species in decline under pressure from climate change, habitat loss, urbanisation and human interference. 

As a company headquartered in Scotland, we are passionate about the endangered animals of our region. This sentiment marks the beginning of our new blog series, where we will explore each UK county, spotlighting incredible species at risk of extinction and the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect them.

5 Endangered Animals in Scotland

Scottish Wildcat 

Let’s look at one of Scotland’s ferocious predators - the Scottish wildcat. A highly elusive and endangered critter, the Scottish wildcat was once found throughout the UK but now only prowls in the Scottish Highlands. Habitat destruction, hunting and hybridisation have resulted in only 115 of the species left in the wild. 

Conservation Efforts

There are 32 zoos and wildlife parks that are part of the Saving Wildcats breeding programme. RZSS Highland Wildlife Park works with Saving Wildcats on a breed and release programme, rewilding 28 wild cats since 2023. Wildcat Haven helps with education and domestic cat neutering to reduce hybridisation.

Freshwater Pearl Mussel

Freshwater pearl mussels live on the beds of clean, fast-flowing rivers (such as the Spey and Dee) and have recently been discovered to inhabit lochs where they filter water through their gills, improving water quality. They are one of the longest-living invertebrates, with an age range up to 100 years. However, numbers are in steep decline with 11 sites facing local extinction in recent years due to illegal pearl fishing, poor water quality and habitat damage.

Conservation Efforts

A collaboration between Forth Rivers Trust,  Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and NatureScot is working on a project that targets river restoration measures to support the recovery of the species in the Teith catchment.  Pearls in the Classroom is an educational organisation that raises awareness of the freshwater pearl mussel in schools within key river catchments in Scotland. 

Basking Shark

Basking sharks, the gentle giants of the sea, call the Hebrides home every summer. As filter feeders, basking sharks are vital recyclers of the marine world, filtering nutrients and regulating plankton. Unfortunately, historically, basking sharks were hunted in Scotland due to the commercial use of their liver oil. While this practice was outlawed in the 90s, basking sharks are still facing multiple threats in Scottish waters due to marine litter, entanglement, climate change and being hit by boats. 

Conservation Efforts 

NatureScot and the University of Exeter have partnered to find out more about the movements and behaviours of the species through satellite tags. The data is used to find out more about this fantastic species, including where they go in winter and identifying zones where they may be more vulnerable to certain human activities. 

Cappercaille

The capercaillie could soon become extinct in Scotland for the second time.  Succumbing to localised extinction in the 18th century and reintroduced from Scandinavia a century later, the species has been continuously declining since the 1970s. 532 capercaillie remain in Scotland, predominantly in the Cairngorms National Park’s Caledonian pine forest. Threats include habitat loss, climate change, human interference and predation. 

Conservation Efforts

A huge conservation effort is underway to protect the species, pulling expertise from multiple organisations.  One goal is to introduce 35,000 ha of new woodland as part of the Cairngorms Partnership Plan. The Forestry Commission has been tasked with reducing deer fencing to minimise fatalities.  Cairngorms Connect Predator Project are monitoring predator populations. Cairngorms Capercaillie Project have been working with the community to minimise human disturbance. 

Fonseca's Seed Fly

Fonseca's seed fly is endemic to a 100m dune shoreline on the Dornoch Firth. It is considered one of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and lives in four groups.  Not much is known about the species, but it is thought to be connected to the ragwort and sow thistles that grow in the area. With distribution so sparse, it’s vital to protect their habitat from coastal degradation and human foot traffic. However, their biggest current threat is the planned Coul Links golf course, which could wipe out the world’s only population of this species. 

Conservation Efforts 

Several organisations are uniting to oppose the proposed golf course, as the government is still in the decision-making process. The Save Coul Links Conservation Coalition includes Buglife, Butterfly Conservation Scotland, Marine Conservation Society, National Trust for Scotland, Plantlife, RSPB Scotland, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

These animals are all adapted to their own unique environments within Scotland. To learn more, check out our Habitats and Adaptations workshops.