Missing Species

Returning Scotland’s lost keystone species

 

 

 

Missing Species Appeal

 

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Missing Species Appeal

We are fundraising £25,000 to support our Missing Species Programme which is bringing back Scotland’s lost keystone animals – the architects of the wild.

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Our Missing Species Programme is bringing back Scotland’s lost keystone animals – the architects of the wild. By restoring these species, we revive natural processes, boost biodiversity, build climate resilience, and inspire people to rediscover the wonder of a wilder Highland landscape.

Species reintroduction

We’re working to return red squirrels, beavers, lynx and tauros, each playing a vital role in restoring balance and vitality to the land. By reintroducing and supporting these carefully chosen species, we aim to revive dormant natural processes, unlocking the full potential of the Highland ecosystem.

Ecosystem engineers

By bringing back the squirrel that plants forests, the beaver that slows floods, the lynx that balances deer, and the Tauros that opens grassy mosaics, we revitalise nature while proving that people and wildlife can once again thrive together in the Scottish Highlands.

Missing Species Initiatives

Red Squirrel Reintroduction

We carefully capture red squirrels from their strongholds and transport them to new forests.

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Beaver Reintroduction

We are working to reintroduce beavers – nature’s ecosystem engineers – to the Scottish Highlands.

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Lynx to Scotland

The Lynx to Scotland project is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands.

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Tauros Project

We are working towards releasing a social herd of wild tauros cattle, similar to the ancient and extinct aurochs, at our Dundreggan estate.

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Coexistence and changing attitudes

Fostering public support and enabling coexistence is key so that people and wildlife can thrive together. Living alongside a wilder nature brings profound ecological, economic and social benefits.

> Discover more about our Rewilding People Programme