How extinct fish species came back from the dead
IT fell victim to predators and pollution nearly 50 years ago, becoming extinct in the 1960s.
But the vendace is making a comeback in Scotland, say conservationists.
The national Trust for Scotland (nTS) has disclosed that the small freshwater fish is thriving again after being introduced to Loch Skeen, near Moffat in Dumfriesshire.
The herring-like fish – which grows to around ten inches – became extinct north of the Border due to increased competition from new species and the deterioration of water quality.
In an attempt to reintroduce the species, the nTS and Scottish natural Heritage released stock from Cumbria into Loch Skeen during the 1990s.
This summer, experts monitoring the population found the vendace was in ‘good health’ and that there was ‘nothing to suggest that this population will not continue to thrive’.
Richard Clarkson, property manager at the Grey Mare’s Tail nature Reserve, which contains Loch Skeen, said: ‘Vendace are our rarest freshwater fish.
‘They have sadly disappeared from other lochs, mainly due to pollution affecting the water quality but also from the introduction of other fish species that would eat their eggs or the fish themselves.
‘The species was extinct in Scotland before they were introduced to Loch Skeen, so it’s great that the trust has been able to help them out.’
Lindsay Mackinlay, the trust’s nature conservation adviser, said: ‘Loch Skeen was chosen as it had all the features vendace need to thrive. It was the right size and depth and holds no predatory fish such as pike or perch and its water quality suits the species.
‘The loch is also remote, accessed by a steep mountain path, so it remains relatively undisturbed.’