When species are missing, the effects can be far-reaching and sometimes unexpected

Over the centuries, many species have disappeared from Scotland’s landscapes. Some were hunted to extinction or lost through habitat destruction and persecution. Others still survive, but only in small, isolated populations – and their influence on the wider ecosystem has all but vanished. When species are missing, the effects can be far-reaching and sometimes unexpected. Biodiversity declines, and key natural processes like predation, seed dispersal and nutrient cycling are disrupted. This weakens entire ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to disease, invasive species and the impacts of climate change.

From beavers to wood ants, restoring missing native species can play a vital role in helping nature recover and strengthening ecosystems in the face of an uncertain future. The following species are of particular interest to us for the essential roles they play as ‘keystone’ or ‘umbrella’ species – they keep ecosystems functioning, create habitats for a wide range of other wildlife and provide people with a richer experience of nature.