By Laurie Finlayson

THERE have been numerous reports of wildlife being released illegally in the north of Scotland over the last few weeks and there are now concerns the issue could impact on the Ayrshire countryside.

A Police Scotland investigation is currently ongoing surrounding the release of lynx and the recent illegal release has been targeted in the same area: the Cairngorms National Park – within weeks of each other.

The park authorities have said they are looking to “ascertain the full facts” on how they ended up there but condemned the actions in the “strongest possible terms.”

The release of wildlife such as lynx and boar carries public health risks including the potential of spreading of diseases, including foot-and-mouth, which reached epidemic proportions in 2001.

Ayrshire has 6,450 species of wildlife revealed in a 2018 report, and it is imperative that the biodiversity is protected.

Gill Smart, the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Reserves Manager for South West Scotland, said: “Wild boar became extinct in Scotland in the 13^th century due to over hunting and habitat loss. While populations, largely from escapes, can be found in various locations across Scotland, including in Dumfries and Galloway, these are believed to be the result of illegal releases and escapees from private collections. As far as we are aware, there are no wild boar present in Ayrshire. 

“While we support legal reintroductions of once native species, we unequivocally condemn the illegal release of any wild animal and believe such an approach is irresponsible and damaging to future legal reintroduction efforts.”

While there is no imminent danger in Ayrshire,, it is always best to vigilant with wild boar being being present in the west of Scotland.