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    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

    Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

    Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

    Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

    Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

    Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

    Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

    Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

    Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

    How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

    How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

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      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

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      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

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      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

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      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

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      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

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      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

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      Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

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      Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

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      Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

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      Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

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      Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

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      Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

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      Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

      Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

      Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

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      Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

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      The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

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        Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

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        Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

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        Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

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        Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

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        Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

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        Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

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        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

        Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

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        Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

        DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

        DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

        People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

        People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

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        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

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        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

        Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

        Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

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        Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

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        Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

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        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

        Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

        Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

        Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

        Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

        Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

        Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

        Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

        How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

        How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

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        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

          Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

          Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

          Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

          Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

          Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

          Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

          Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

          The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

          The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

            Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

            Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

            Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

            Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

            ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

            ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

          • Health
            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

            ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

            ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

            Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

            Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

            Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

            Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

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            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

            Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

            Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

            Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

            Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

            DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

            DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

            People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

            People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

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            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

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            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

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            Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

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            Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

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            Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

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          Wildcats lived alongside domestic cats for 2,000 years but only started interbreeding 60 years ago – new study

          by BP Author
          November 7, 2023
          in World
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          You are unlikely to have seen one, but wildcats are still clinging on by a claw in Scotland. Most of the cats living in the wild in Scotland are hybrid cats with a mix of wildcat and domestic cat ancestry or feral domestic cats. But my team’s new study showed they lived alongside domestic cats for almost 2,000 years before interbreeding.

          One of our rarest and most elusive mammal species, European wildcats have been in decline across across Europe and Britain for the past few hundred years. Wildcats were lost completely from England and Wales by the end of the 19th century and today are only found in the Scottish Highlands.

          Habitat loss and hunting are two of the biggest threats facing this species across its range, but in Scotland, hybridisation with domestic cats is now the biggest threat to this population. Interbreeding between the two species is frequent now.

          This gradual erosion of the wildcat genome (the DNA instructions for everything that makes a wildcat a wildcat) may lead to the complete extinction of this species in Britain. Among scientists, this is known as genetic swamping.

          How long has this been going on?

          Although domestic cats and wildcats are different species, genetically more different than dogs and wolves, they look similar. Domestic cats, descended from the African-Asian wildcat, became widespread in Britain in Roman times.

          Wildcats in Scotland are a subpopulation of European wildcats, and have been present in Britain since the end of the last ice age, around 10,000 years ago. Our research, which used the genomes of ancient cats from prehistoric Britain (around 6,000BC) until the present, shows that the two species kept themselves separate until very recently.

          This may be expected for two species such as these, which have different patterns of behaviour and habitat preference. Wildcats keep away from people and prefer natural, forested areas – unlike domestic cats which thrive in human-modified environments.

          My team’s study showed that around 60 years ago, however, there was a sudden shift to increasingly frequent interbreeding, which quickly overwhelmed the remaining wildcats in Scotland.

          What changed?

          The recent history of hybridisation between the two species strongly suggests that hybridisation is a symptom, rather than the cause, of wildcat declines in Britain.

          Wildcats have been hunted for sport, and are also persecuted as a pest species which keeps their numbers down. Modern land management has involved the felling of large swaths of Scottish forests (often for timber or agriculture), potentially forcing wildcats into more human-dominated environments, where they are more likely to meet a domestic cat.

          The 20th century also saw a rise in domestic cat ownership, which is now at an all-time high in the UK. While it can be hard to keep track of feral domestic cat numbers, the population size is likely to significantly outnumber the wildcat population.

          Our study highlighted the pressure that disease transmission is putting on wildcat populations. Domestic cats are a known source of feline diseases, such as feline immunodeficiency virus, feline calicivirus and haemoplasma infection, which can be passed to wildcats, and can be deadly.

          Wildcat kittens play on the forest floor.
          Wildcats look similar to domestic cats.
          Libor Fousek/Shutterstock

          Our study compared the genomes of hybrid, wildcat and domestic cats. The hybrid population showed genetic patterns suggesting they are developing immunity to these diseases, with the help of genes inherited from domestic cat parents. While this may bring short-term protection from cat diseases, it results in domestic cat DNA hitching along for the ride, perhaps accelerating the effect of genetic swamping.

          Without intervention, the few wildcats that remain will interbreed with domestic cats and the wildcat genome will contribute a fraction of a percent to the domestic cat genome. The biological and behavioural adaptations that evolved in the European wildcat will be lost.

          Does this matter?

          Human behaviour (such as transporting species around the world, encroachment on wild habitats and climate change) is driving an increase in hybridisation globally. Conservationists are debating the level of risk this poses to wildlife populations, and the best course of action for conservation management.




          Read more:
          Hybrid future? Interbreeding can make heat-averse species more resilient to climate change


          In some cases hybridisation can be beneficial, bringing new genetic diversity that can help species survive in increasingly human-dominated environments. However, the consequences of hybridisation are unpredictable, and it is hard to come up with a solution that works for every case.

          For the wildcat, hybridisation is a double-edged sword. It brought disease resistance that aided the population’s short-term survival, but at the cost of threatening the genetic adaptations that made the species unique.

          What next for wildcats?

          My team’s study highlights the value of the captive wildcat population in the UK. First established in 1960, founders of this population largely predate the onset of hybridisation in Scotland. The captive population now provides an important lifeline to reestablish this species in Britain.

          A wildcat conservation breeding for release programme is conducted by Saving Wildcats, a partnership led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. The first releases into the wild started this year, with 19 cats released in the Cairngorms Connect area of the Cairngorms National Park.

          Monitoring the newly released cats will give us vital insights about how to protect species like the wildcat. The more we understand about the effects and history of hybridisation, the more we’ll understand about how best to manage wildlife conservation in the future.



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