1 in 9 Scottish species are sadly at risk of extinction today.
Scotland is one of the world's most nature-depleted countries; this has resulted in several Scottish species becoming endangered and it has also resulted in the destruction of ecosystems like forests in Scotland.
The decline in wildlife in Scotland has resulted in several of Scotland's most iconic and unique species of animals becoming endangered.
Let's look at Scotland's most endangered animals...
Scottish Wildcats
Scottish Wildcats once used to roam throughout Scotland. Sadly, however, due to their habitat being destroyed in Scotland and as a result of them being hunted by people in Scotland, Scottish Wildcats are now critically endangered.
Scottish Wildcats are Scotland's most endangered species today. They are now very rare. They are so rare that there are thought to be as few as just 35 individual Scottish Wildcats remaining in the wild today.
This also makes them one of the world's most endangered species.
Capercaille
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The Western Capercaille lives in some parts of the Scottish highlands.
These beautiful birds are only found living in one type of ecosystem: pine woodlands. They are one of Scotland's most endangered wild animals: their population is very low today. There are only 1,100 Capercailles in Scotland today.
The very low population of these beautiful birds puts them at risk of extinction. Heartbreakingly, the Capercaille population in Scotland has declined rapidly over the last few years, which could result in Capercailles going extinct for the second time in Scotland. The Capercaillie is found in other parts of Europe, which means that they could be reintroduced again into Scotland.
For a second time though, they are sadly heading for extinction again in Scotland. In 2017, it was reported that there was a decline in the Capercaille population in Scotland. Since the start of the Scottish parliament in 1999, where environmental decision making has been made in the Scottish parliament, the Capercaille population has not increased above 2,000 birds and over the last few years their population has declined - habitat destruction and human disturbance in the Capercailles woodland home has caused their decline.
Pine Martens
Pine Martens are one of Scotland's cutest animals.
But sadly, they are very rare today in Scotland: Pine Martens are endangered in Scotland. Their population is very low, there are now only 3,700 Pine Martens in Scotland today. Their low population in Scotland has been caused by their habitat being destroyed and them being persecuted.
With Scotland being one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, and having a very low Pine Marten population, they are at risk of extinction today.
These cute animals are shy, playful and curious.
Red Squirrels
Red Squirrels are another cute animal that is endangered in Scotland.
Red Squirrels can also be found in some other parts of the UK. In Scotland, these cute animals are found in the Scottish highlands and, in the Scottish borders. Sadly though, Red Squirrels have been in decline in Scotland, with only 120,000 remaining. There are a few threats to the Red Squirrels existence.
Red Squirrels have to compete with Grey Squirrels for space and food. The destruction of woodlands in Scotland and habitat fragmentation (such as a road-going through woodland), also harms Red Squirrels and other animals - its habitat destruction like this that threatens their existence.
Bottlenose Dolphins
The Bottlenose Dolphin is found all over the world.
However, the Bottlenose Dolphin population in Scotland is small: there is estimated to be around 200 Bottlenose Dolphins in Scotland, around the Moray Firth areas.
There are several threats to the Bottlenose Dolphin, including - pollution, fishing and being caught and tangled in fishing nets.
Vulnerable To Extinction
All of the endangered animals in Scotland today are at risk of extinction - some of these animals are a lot closer to extinction than other animals.
Other animals in Scotland are vulnerable to extinction. For example, the Hedgehog population and the Mountain Hare population have declined dramatically.
With Scotland being one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world - which means that it is one of the top countries in the world that has destroyed its natural world - has resulted in many of Scotland's wildlife becoming endangered and vulnerable to extinction. The destruction of ecosystems such as forests, meadows and green belt land, has resulted in a significant and heartbreaking decline in Scotland's wildlife and its natural world. A wilful destruction of its nature and a lack of much political will to save nature in Scotland has resulted in Scotland being at the top of the table when it comes to the sixth mass extinction.
Today, we are in a sixth mass extinction. This sixth mass extinction has caused a biodiversity crisis, this biodiversity crisis isn't really being addressed - there are some waves being made, but there is nowhere near enough energy being devoted to this issue. This apathy towards the natural world is also a driving force behind the sixth mass extinction and biodiversity crisis today.
Our forests are being destroyed, our meadows are being destroyed, the green belt is being destroyed in Scotland - we need to preserve the natural world, instead of destroying it. If we don't stop destroying the natural world in Scotland, then, its highly likely that some of the endangered species on this list of Scotland's most endangered animals, will become extinct.
The time to act, is not in the future, the time to act to save wildlife, is now.
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