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Vincent Wildlife TrustThe polecat has rarely been seen in Scotland since being persecuted to extinction Vincent Wildlife Trust<\/p>\nOne of Scotland\u2019s rarest mammals could be set to make a comeback as a project aims to explore the possibility of returning polecats to the north of the country. <\/p>\n
The European polecat was once widespread across Britain, but intensive persecution in the past led to their decline by the early 20th century.<\/p>\n
Now, a mammal conservation charity is looking to restore polecats to northern Scotland in a project that will run until October.<\/p>\n
The Vincent Wildlife Trust will assess habitat suitability and conduct detailed studies in areas identified as potential release sites.<\/p>\n
Local communities will be consulted on the plans, along with those potentially affected by the return of polecats.<\/p>\n
Disease risk, impacts on existing species and other land users will also be considered as part of the project.<\/p>\n
The Trust says this will help make an evidence-based decision on whether the restoration of European polecats is feasible, desirable, or not.<\/p>\n
Vincent Wildlife TrustThe polecat has rarely been seen in Scotland since being persecuted to extinction Vincent Wildlife Trust<\/p>\n
Jenny MacPherson, VWT\u2019s principal scientist said: \u201cThe return of polecats could contribute to the restoration of Scotland\u2019s native biodiversity.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut any release would only move forward if the evidence shows it could be done responsibly and with local support.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why this study is such a crucial first step.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor now, there are no polecats being released, just careful research and conversations, which we\u00a0expect to be able to share findings of at the end of 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cUntil then, the question remains:\u00a0could the polecat be Scotland\u2019s next conservation comeback?\u201d<\/p>\n
The latest national polecat surveys show they have now returned to much of southern Britain but recolonisation of northern Scotland remains highly unlikely without human intevention.<\/p>\n
The Vincent Wildlife Trust says this is due to factors such as increased urban barriers in the central belt.<\/p>\n
Rob Raynor, NatureScot\u2019s mammal specialist said:\u00a0\u201cPersecuted to extinction in Scotland by the early 20th Century, polecats are among Scotland\u2019s rarest mammals, with only occasional, isolated confirmed sightings.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn essential part of VWT\u2019s project will be gathering the views of people who would be most affected, including land managers and local communities, as well as compiling evidence to assess the associated risks and benefits of restoring polecats.\u201d<\/p>\n
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