Scottish Wind Farms Putting The Critically Endangered Scottish Wildcat At Risk Of Extinction
- Jennifer J
- Jun 6, 2018
- 2 min read
Scottish wind farms are putting the critically endangered Scottish Wildcat at risk of extinction, according to Wildcat Haven.
The Scottish Wildcat is already an endangered species, however, new felling in the Scottish highlands and planned felling, threatens to destroy one of the last remaining habitats of the Scottish Wildcat.
This habitat is known as the Clashindarroch Forest.
The Clashindarroch Forest is home to 13 Scottish Wildcats. That may not seem like many, however, it is estimated to be a third of the Scottish Wildcats population. There is estimated to be as low as 35 wildcats left, which leaves them particularly vulnerable to extinction.
The trees are being felled by the Scottish Forestry Commission.
What Is The Scottish Forestry Commission?
The Scottish Forestry Commission is a government-run organisation which 'manages' Scotland's forests.
Why Are Scottish Wildcats At Risk?
Scottish Wildcats are at risk of becoming extinct for many reasons. Historically they were hunted, particularly throughout the Victorian Era.
The Scottish Wildcat once flourished throughout England and Scotland, but persecution of the cat led to their extinction in England by 1849. Now they are only found in isolated parts of the Scottish Highlands. An ecosystem which is vital to their survival. If we lose the forest, we lose the cat.
Breeding with domestic cats has also contributed to their demise. The main threat to the wildcats survival was their breeding with domestic cats. That still remains a threat to their survival. However, this new destruction of their habitat could be the thing that tips this species over the edge.
This new threat is because their habitat (the forests), are being felled by the government to make way for wind farms.
This is not the first time that the government in Scotland have felled trees for wind farms. It 2014, it was reported that 5 million trees had been felled in Scotland for wind farms. The irony is, is that the wind farms are supposed to be creating a more environmentally friendly World/country, yet, the wind farms are actually causing the destruction of Scotland's ancient woodlands. Which is putting the critically endangered species Scottish Wildcat at risk.
What Is Happening?
According to Wildcat Haven, forest in the highlands, essential for the wildcat, is currently being felled to make way for wind farms.
Wildcat Haven says that there are as little as 35 Scottish Wildcats left. This makes the Scottish Wildcat the most endangered mammal in the UK, and one of the UK's most endangered animals. As one of the UK's most endangered animals, protecting the habitat of the Scottish Wildcat is essential.
The Scottish Wildcat only has a handful of forests in the highlands as their last remaining stronghold. One of these habitats is the Clashindarroch Forest, this means it's essential to preserve the Clashindarroch Forest if this species is to survive.
Sign the petition here.
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