Scientist who cloned Dolly the sheep dies

The scientist who cloned Dolly the sheep has died aged 79. Sir Ian Wilmut was part of the team who carried out the scientific feat in 1996. The scientist led the Roslin Institute team as they created the first mammal to be cloned from an adult stem cell. His death was announced by the University…

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‘National effort’ needed to save Scottish wildcat

A MAMMALS expert has warned that a “national effort” is needed in order to save the Scottish wildcat from extinction. Roo Campbell, the mammal adviser to government agency NatureScot, used the publication of a report to highlight the threat to the wildcat, which is critically endangered. The report draws together the findings from the Scottish…

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Firth of Forth marine life mapped

WHALES, dolphins, and other mammals visiting the Firth of Forth have been mapped by scientists and the public. More than 450 people reported sightings of whales, porpoises, dolphins, and seals to researchers from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh using the Forth Marine Mammals group on the Facebook social network. Exotic species such as humpback, minke, and…

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City gardeners asked to spot mammals

HAVE you spotted rabbits, foxes, or other mammals in your urban garden? If so then the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) wants to hear from you. The charity is gathering reports of sightings, footprints, and droppings from gardens, allotments, parks, playing fields, cemetries, and other public spaces. Its data will help with conservation work…

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Water vole watchers needed in Scotland this spring

Forget the Easter Bunny, this Easter is all about water voles! Wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is calling for volunteers across Scotland, England and Wales to take part in their national water vole survey, which starts on Good Friday. Immortalised by Ratty in The Wind in the Willows, these native riverbank residents…

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A fascinating study of the red deer in Scotland

This beautiful book by wildlife photographer Neil McIntyre, Chasing the Deer, aims to raise awareness of the challenges facing red deer in Scotland today as well as showcasing the magnificent animal in all seasons and life-cycle stages. Born into a family of deer stalkers, McIntyre has observed this iconic Scottish species for more than three…

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Highland Outdoor Centre for sale – and a whale boat

A Highland outdoor centre has been made available for sale – as well as a whale-shaped boat! Bidwells present for sale the property at Ardintigh Bay, a Highland outdoor adventure centre, which is currently owned by Tom McClean (78) – the adventuring legend and SAS veteran who is a world record holder and all-round action…

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First autumn mammal survey gets underway

THE first autumn “Living With Mammals” survey kicks off on Monday, with Scots being asked to keep their eyes peeled for creatures, tracks and droppings in gardens, parks or other green spaces. People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) normally only runs its survey once a year, but is now capitalising on a successful spring count…

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Animal magic that’s rescuing thousands of creatures

Thousands of maltreated and injured creatures, great and small, are restored to health each year at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fife. It’s usually the plight of red squirrels and wildcats that makes the headlines, but the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the Scottish SPCA), makes it its business to…

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Why the mink must be exterminated

Mink are not cute and they’re not cuddly – this is one alien invader our indigenous wildlife could happily live without. At the time of Neanderthal man, animal skins were worn as a necessity against the elements. Indeed, without them life would have been well nigh impossible. These days, attitudes towards wearing fur clothing change…

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