1

In this issue: Page

Welcome from the SAC Chair 2

Cairngorms Connect Predator Project 3

Scottish Invasive Species Initiative – Sheep join the battle against

Invasive Giant hogweed 4

The Golden Eagle genome has landed 5

Conferences and Meetings 6

SNH Staff Profile 7

SAC Member profile 8

Scottish Natural Heritage

Science Newsletter Issue 25 – September 2018

_________________________________________________________

2

Welcome from the SAC Chair Bob Furness Welcome to the September 2018 SNH Science newsletter. It is good to see the high priority

given to the Environment in the Scottish Government’s new Programme for Government

https://www.gov.scot/Publications/2018/09/6276/6, and notably their strong desire to protect

wildlife and habitats. This includes proposals to create Marine Protected Areas for iconic

species such as basking shark, Risso’s dolphin, and minke whale, and to develop a new

‘seabird conservation strategy’ to address the significant declines in Scottish seabird

populations. A clear example of the latter is outlined in Perkins et al. 2018 (J Anim Ecol DOI

10.1111/1365-2656.12890) who identify both food shortage and predation pressure as

responsible for the ‘catastrophic’ population declines of Arctic skuas in Scotland.

Conservation action and wildlife management require a clear understanding of the evidence that

can shape actions that produce desired outcomes. Such evidence is often in short supply and

incomplete. So we should congratulate Clive Mitchell for his recent contribution to the debate

about screening evidence for power and bias (Nature, 561:33, 6 September 2018). It is good to

see SNH staff at the forefront of such issues. Recently, SNH’s Scientific Advisory Committee

(SAC) has been preoccupied with a wide range of really difficult scientific questions. Do our

Aichi reports provide a balanced view of evidence? Are decisions regarding candidate marine

protected areas founded on sound science? Are the data collection procedures underpinning

the Strathbraan raven and waders trial adequate to assess impacts of ravens on wader

productivity and numbers? Is there evidence of a decline in mountain hare populations

throughout Scotland or have declines been restricted to a relatively small region with particular

land-use? Can modelling of goose populations provide reliable bag limits for goose control? All

of these issues, and others, need to be assessed carefully and thoroughly, taking account of the

limited and constrained evidence that is available. Which of course is what scientific scholarship

is all about. But there are some issues where the evidence is absolutely clear and unequivocal.

One example of this is the issue of lead pollution. The Scottish Agricultural College Consulting

Veterinary Services regularly report on deaths of wildlife of conservation importance

https://www.sruc.ac.uk/downloads/120613/monthly_reports. Not only have they reported on

cases of cattle suffering lead poisoning through ingestion of lead in pastures, but recently they

described the post mortem of a five year old sea eagle found moribund in Argyll, close to a site

where deer larder waste and carcases were provided for eagles to eat. The bird had lead levels

in its liver more than twenty times higher than the level indicative of lead poisoning. One of our

NERC-SNH CASE PhD Students, Gaby Peniche, is studying the health of raptors in Scotland

https://www.ed.ac.uk/vet/raptor-health-scotland and sea eagle carcases such as these are

being studied closely by her to determine the cause of death. The Veterinary Services also

reported on a mass mortality of 30 whooper swans found dead over a six week period near a

loch in the Scottish Borders. Five of these birds were autopsied and all had levels of lead in

their livers many times above the threshold associated with lead poisoning. As long ago as the

1980s we knew that about half of the deaths of whooper swans in Scotland could be attributed

to lead poisoning (Spray & Milne 1988 Biol Cons 44: 265-281). These Annex 1 birds (and cattle)

appear to have died, entirely unnecessarily, as a result of our continued discharge of lead into

the environment.

3

Cairngorms Connect Predator Project Cristian Navarro – University of Aberdeen Significant change has been brought about to the forests of Strathspey. Changes in herbivore management have led to important reductions in deer densities and are allowing the forests to expand naturally towards their natural range. The composition of the predator guild is also rapidly changing; the previously absent pine marten is now widespread. Similarly, jays have colonised the forest in the last decade, and the northern goshawk and golden eagle are now thriving. Factoring these, often protected, recovering predator populations when planning the management of threatened prey species such as the capercaillie is a new challenge for wildlife conservation in Scotland. One avenue is to consider the fact that predators notoriously interfere with each other. For instance, eagles are known to prey on foxes and martens, foxes to kill martens, stoats and weasels, and goshawks to prey upon all smaller raptors species. However, quantitative knowledge of the strength of these interactions in these newly enriched and restored assemblages of species that could inform said management is scarce. While a higher abundance of certain species of predators could increase predation pressure upon already vulnerable prey species, lethal interactions among vertebrate predators, have the potential to locally modulate predation pressure and thereby benefit populations of prey species.

Starting in autumn 2017, and as part of the “Cairngorm Connect Predator Project”, Cristian Navarro, a PhD student jointly funded by Forest Enterprise Scotland and the University of Aberdeen, with support from Wildland Ltd and RSPB, is working to quantify the strength of the interactions between predators within a re-assembling community in Strathspey. Additionally, he will study the effects of such interactions on the

abundances and distribution of both predators and prey. The target predator species are red foxes, pine martens, badgers, weasels, stoats, buzzards, golden eagles and northern goshawks while the prey of interest are capercaillie, black grouse and red squirrel as well as short-tailed field voles and bank voles that are the staple prey for most predators. To date, Cristian has completed a monitoring season where camera traps, hair traps, scat collection, live trapping and measures of activity were deployed to study our changing ecological communities in a recovering landscape. Various SNH staff, including Keith Duncan and Chris Donald, have been involved and their support is invaluable. Information: c.navarrowaggershauser.14@aberdeen.ac.uk

Pine Marten reaching for bait, captured during camera trapping survey © Cristian Navarro Waggershauser

4

Scottish Invasive Species Initiative - Sheep join the battle against invasive Giant hogweed Callum Sinclair The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) is a new 4 year partnership project set up to tackle invasive non-nature species in catchments in northern Scotland – a total area of some 29,500km2. SISI is led by SNH and funded by SNH, Heritage Lottery Fund and contributions from ten fishery trust and board delivery partners and the University of Aberdeen. In the main the project is targeting Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and Giant hogweed as well as looking to control American skunk cabbage and White butterbur at selected locations. In addition America mink are to be controlled via a network of volunteer monitors and traps – perhaps the subject of later articles here. The project has wide ranging actions and is looking to deliver sustainable control and management of these invasive species by both the selective use of contractors but, more significantly, through the delivery of coordination, support, training, equipment and materials to a growing army of community groups and volunteers who are working with us to tackle the problem.

Giant Hogweed - River Deveron, Auldtown site ©Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust

However, SISI has recently recruited a new batch of volunteers on the River Deveron - a flock of them in fact. Having identified an outbreak of Giant hogweed our local partner, the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust (DBIRT), and SISI have deployed a small flock of a dozen sheep to do the job of control for us. Giant hogweed can be significant problem – it grows large (very large in fact reaching 2-3m in height) and each plant can self-fertilise and produce some 20-30,000 seeds some of which can

5

survive for 3 years of more in the soil. Further, the leaves and stems produce a phytotoxic sap which, when in contact with human skin and sunlight, causes painful blisters and burns. Given these ‘talents’ chemical treatment – though effective –must be done when the plants are small and comes with notable risks to the person doing the control. Sheep however…. Past work at another site on the Deveron demonstrated the potential value of the sheep as hogweed grazers. At a location at Auldtown which, despite previous physical and chemical control attempts remained dominated by stands of the plant, was transformed by grazing. In the first year of grazing (2013) no hogweed reached the stage of maturity where seeds were set. This was maintained throughout the project and is important as this essentially cut off the seed supply to the location. In each further year of grazing (2014-16) grazing was maintained and seedlings emerging from the soils were quickly seen off. Currently in 2018 there have been no hogweed seedlings observed and the area and the control there is deemed to have been effective. Monthly monitoring of the sheep by veterinarians confirmed no ill effects to the sheep. So, at our new site we are looking to attempt to do the same again. The work is being monitored by colleagues at the University of Aberdeen to help validate and assess the work, techniques and inform how to improve this management approach. It is early days in the 2018 study and results are not yet available – they will be reported over the 4 year period of SISI. However, whilst the use of sheep may not be possible in all locations (an appropriate mix of landowner, sheep owner and appropriately constrained and secure site is required) there is clearly potential for wider use and application. Other grazers can be effective – goats and cattle have been used elsewhere – in different situations. Sheep and goats may be more suitable on smaller sites or in areas of steep or uneven ground and cattle may be better suited to larger infestations. So, whilst there will always be a need for chemical and mechanical control of this species it would be very useful and hopefully cost effective and sustainable to use our hogweed munching friends more in the future. If the work of SISI, the DBIRT and our woolly volunteers can help to demonstrate that to be the case that would be an important contribution to invasive non-native species management in Scotland and beyond. Further information on the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative at: Web: www.invasivespecies.scot Twitter: @SISI_project Facebook: Scottish Invasive Species Initiative Information: callum.sinclair@nature.scot

The Golden Eagle genome has landed Kat Arney and Rob Ogden

The golden eagle is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most iconic birds. With an impressive two metre wingspan and striking yellow feathered legs, it’s a stirring sight if you’re lucky enough to spot one soaring over the Scottish Highlands and Islands. However, while golden eagles may not be critically endangered their habitat is shrinking. Many of the already small populations around the world are continuing to decline which is why a recent announcement of a new golden eagle genome is so important. The eagle genome has been completed as part of the

Sanger Institute’s 25 genomes project, sequencing the genomes of 25 significant UK species and is a vital tool to help conservationists protect and manage these fabulous birds. Conservation geneticist, and SNH SAC Expert Panel member, Dr Rob Ogden at the University

6

of Edinburgh has been using simple DNA profiling and sequencing to monitor the genetic makeup of animal populations for at least 20years and explains that whilst these test can provide useful information they can only tell us so much: “This basic information can help us when we come to make decisions about how to manage populations, but it’s based on looking at difference in small ‘snapshots’ of DNA scattered through the genome. What we don’t’ really understand is what any of these genetic differences relate to in biological terms. If you keep a couple of populations separate for multiple generations, parts of their DNA will gradually drift apart, but we don’t know if they have any biological relevant at all.” The full genome sequence for the golden eagle will help conservation efforts, such as the recently highly publicised South Scotland Golden Eagle Project involving the release of young birds to help boost the population: https://www.goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk/ . Having a high-quality full genome sequence for the golden eagle opens up a treasure trove of biological information that conservationists can use to manage species more effectively in the wild. This knowledge is vital for managing endangered populations effectively as the global climate changes. The completion of the golden eagle genome as part of the 25 genomes project is on the first part of the story. The golden eagle has been selected as one of the species to go forward into the Genome 10K project, carrying out detailed analysis of DNA from around 10,000 vertebrate species. Researchers will be using a technique called optical mapping to get an even more detailed picture of how the eagle genome is organised and to make sure they haven’t missed any bits. For the full article see: https://sangerinstitute.blog/2018/09/03/the-golden-eagle-genome-has-landed/

Conferences and Meetings 14-17th September – 25th Great British Beach Clean Marine Conservation Society are running their 25th Beach Clean event this September. There are events across the country so please get involved if you’re interested in doing your bit to clean up litter in your area and collect vital data to support a tax on plastic single use items. Further information: https://www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch/greatbritishbeachclean 5-6TH November – Biodiversity Conservation Post 2020: New Challenges and New Approaches, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh At this year’s Scottish Bioidversity Strategy Conference the new challenges facing biodiversity conservation will be considered as well as the novel and innovative solutions biodiversity can offer. Further information: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/biodiversity-conservation-post-2020-new-challenges-and-new-approaches-tickets-49551973286 20-21 November 2018 - CIEEM Autumn Conference 2018 – Advances in Ecological Restoration and Habitat Creation – Glasgow Marriot Hotel This 2-day conference will explore the latest ideas and best practice behind effective ecological restoration and habitat creation. Further information: http://events.cieem.net/Events/EventPages/20112018000000CIEEMAutumnConference2018AdvancesinEcologicalRestorationandHabitatCreation.aspx

7

Appointments SAC Expert panel member Dr. Beth Scott has been appointed as a co-director of the new Engineer and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) offshore renewable energy (ORE) SuperGen Hub. This is the first to combine research in wave, tidal and offshore wind. The aim is to address any technical, environmental and interdisciplinary challenges which require a coordinated response at national and regional level. Full information: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/12122/ Professor Charles Gimingham OBE FRSE. We were saddened to hear of the death of Charles, one of our most distinguished botanists and a former and a great supporter of science and good land management practice in SNH https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jul/11/charles-gimingham-obituary Dr Paul Haworth. One of our finest and most active raptor ecologists lost his battle with cancer. Paul contributed significantly to key work on the conservation of golden eagles and hen harriers, and undertook some of the baseline surveys which formed the basis for raptor SPAs, especially the North Harris Hills SPA classified for its high density golden eagle population http://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/16404284.obituary-paul-f-haworth-ecologist-and-raptor-expert/ Professor Anna Meredith FRCVS. Member of the Scottish Government’s Science Advisory Council, and key adviser on SNH projects on animal health and conservation, has moved south to take up the exciting role of Head of the University of Melbourne Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences.

SNH Staff Profile Emma Steatham

Being raised in the north of Scotland and spending most weekends hillwalking or cycling, Emma grew up with a love for the outdoors. In high school Emma was fortunate enough to take part in an expedition to Jebel Toubkal in Morocco. As the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains it was a long trek from the capital of Marrakesh culminating in a final push to the top of the mountain. Along the way Emma stayed in various Berber villages and in return for their kind hospitality, helped in building a road from the main town up to a school. Before starting a placement in SNH Emma spent 3 years studying Geography at UHI, based in Inverness. As a newly launched and accelerated degree she was able to graduate early which allowed her to get a head-start in her career through the placement with SNH. Having a campus based in the Highlands of Scotland meant that Emma was able to feed her love of the outdoors with a lot of practical work taking her to the Cairngorms and Assynt, studying the glacial geomorphology of the areas. In her final year Emma spent two weeks in the small town of Pontresina, Switzerland. Here she was able to hike across two glaciers (Pers and Morteratsch) and investigate the microclimate and retreat of the Moteratsch Glacier.

8

Emma likes to spend her free-time assisting in the training of search and rescue dogs, as part of the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA). In rain or shine (sometimes even snow!) Emma has ‘bodied’ for the dogs which involves spending hours hidden on a hill somewhere in the Scottish wilderness waiting for a dog to come and ‘rescue’ her. Training dogs through from puppies to fully fledged qualified dogs is a very rewarding experience and not only do they provide a vital resource in the search for missing walkers or climbers but the dogs themselves love their ‘jobs’. Emma was drawn to SNH due to its work promoting and caring for Scotland’s landscapes and natural habitats. The graduate placement Emma is undertaking focusses on Strategic Approaches to Bat Licensing, with specific focus on the Aberdeenshire area. Through the coordination and mapping of bat and habitat data Emma hopes to create a map of the local authority area which shows ideal bat habitats to aid the planning and licensing processes. Overall, Emma can’t wait to get her project started and she’s looking forward spending her time working with the Licensing team at GGH and other SNH teams.

SAC Member Profile Prof. Dan Haydon

Dan Haydon is Professor of Population Ecology and Epidemiology at the University of Glasgow. Dan undertook his PhD at the University of Texas at Austin, and post-docs at the Universities of Oxford, British Columbia, Edinburgh, and Guelph, before moving to Glasgow in 2004. Dan maintains a diverse set of interests that span theoretical and quantitative approaches to ecological and evolutionary problems including population and ecosystem dynamics, conservation, evolutionary ecology, infectious disease ecology and epidemiology. He was the founding Director of the Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, and currently is Director of the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative

Medicine within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow. Dan is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

SNH Science newsletter Editor: Lynne Clark, lynne.clark@nature.scot