UK Nature and Environment

Important and well-loved tree species and Britain’s only remaining native cat are under critical threat without their conservation being prioritised according to a ‘genetic scorecard’ developed by scientists across Scotland.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh and NatureScot have led the development of the most comprehensive analysis of the genetic health of Scotland’s native wild species - the key to all species being able to adapt and change in response to threats in the natural world. The Genetic Scorecard Indicator looks at the genetic diversity which underpins all living things’ ability to adapt to the effects of disease and climate change. Healthy, resilient native species provide society with food, medicine, and maintain carbon-storing ecosystems. When their genetic diversity is at risk, nature and biodiversity are also threatened.

NatureScot Biodiversity Evidence and Reporting Manager, David O’Brien said: “The state of Scotland’s native species relies on a healthy genetic diversity within many of the public’s favourite plants, animals and fungi. Without the conservation efforts to protect genetic diversity in species like wildcats and ash trees, they will be unable to adapt to threats from non-native species, disease, climate change and pollution. This groundbreaking research is a world-leading example of scientific collaboration in Scotland informing global conservation.”