The situation for red squirrels in the wild looks bleak, and although there is not currently a national captive breeding programme, due to the lack of suitable release habitat for animals, we hope to continue with red squirrel breeding, in partnership with other organisations, to retain a healthy captive population for the future.

Scottish Wild Cats
The Scottish wild cat is probably close to extinction in the wild, having hybridised with feral domestic cats. Unfortunately legislation to protect the species has not kept pace with the real challenges the animal faces in the wild, partly due to the complexities of proving the purity of wild individuals.

We are participating with the national captive breeding studbook which aims to preserve and enhance the purity of wild cats in captivity for any future release programmes.

Water Voles
The recent decline of the water vole in the wild has been dramatic. Recent research indicates that loss of habitat through building and agricultural improvement of riverbank areas, together with pollution of water courses started the dramatic decline. The escapes and intentional releases of captive American mink from fur farms introduced a new predator on already vulnerable populations.

Habitat conservation and reintroduction efforts have helped to slow the decline and there is evidence that mink populations may now be in reverse following the comeback of the native otter.