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It is probable that the reindeer lived in forests rather than the open plains, and the loss of much of our native forests due to the climatic change and destruction by man led to their final
extinction. Attempts at reintroducing both species have been made over the centuries, the latest being in the early 1950s when reindeer were established at Rothiemurchus in the Cairngormes. This herd varies now from
80 to 100, and is kept in a semi domesticated state; it is unlikely that our mountains could support greater numbers without much damage to the habitat. The lynx, while it was contemporary with Neolithic
man, inexplicably disappeared in prehistoric times.  There was abundant woodland cover then for it to find refuge, so it seems
unlikely that early man played a large part in its extinction. Other carnivorous mammals, however certainly did suffer at the hand of man and the loss of their woodland homes. The wild cat and pine
martin for example were quite rare by the middle of the 19th century and restricted to the wilder parts of the Highlands. Thankfully both these protected species are once again spreading through much of Scotland.
The brown bear was once very abundant and survived until the 10th century. The Romans admired the beauty and physique of the imposing 'great Caledonian bears'
and shipped them to Rome in large iron cages for later use in their arenas. Bear baiting was a very popular pastime throughout Europe, and bears were also
used for torturing criminals. For instance, there is the fate of the Roman malefactor Laurcolus, who was suspended naked on a cross for presentation to the Caledonian bear.
Another common woodland animal, the wild pig, existed as late as the 17th century and possibly into the early 18th century. Although it was not the direct decendent of the domestic
pig, there was no doubt much interbreeding when they were both roaming free.  In addition, boars were regarded as a fine sporting animal and they were eagerly hunted by the nobility. This, together with their value as food and the damage they caused to the crops, led
to their eventual demise. Several attempts have been made to reintroduce the wild boar, but all have failed. With the large increase in forestry particularly in the 1950s, perhaps
there may be a place for the wild boar among out native fauna. Loss of woodland no doubt played an important part in the disappearance of the beaver, which probably
became extinct in the 11th or 12th century, the last being recorded on the Dee. Man's pursuit of this animal was too rigorous; beavers were heavily exploited, for their furs were extremely valuable and they also
produced a musk like substance, castoreum, which enjoyed a vogue as a cure for a range of ailments. Scientists later discovered that it contained salicylic acid, an ingredient of aspirin.
Of all Scotland's creatures, one in particular was singled out by man for destruction - the wolf. From earliest times it was hunted down, and the great Highland forests gave it an ideal
and final refuge long after it had disappeared from the lowlands. Man was fanatical in his desire to exterminate the wolves. There were numerous Acts given to their destruction; in
1427 the reward for killing a wolf was two shillings, while in 162l the price paid by Stature in Sutherland was the princely sum of six pounds. Such was mans fear of the wolf that he put
up special refuges, or spittals, for the safety of travelers against the attacks. Vast areas of the forests were cut down to drive out the wolves and protect the population A large increase in
the Highland wolf population during the reign of Mary, queen of Scots, led to ever increasing persecution. So successful were the measures taken that, by the reign of Charles II
(1660-85), the wolf was extinct in many parts of the Highlands. Every area had its oral or written traditions of the killing of its last wolf, and it is amazing
how similar these descriptions are. Invariably it involves some hunter clutching a wolf's tail to stop it retreating into its den before it could be killed in hand to jaw combat!. The precise
date when the last wolf was killed is open to question, but the most widely accepted version is that it occurred in 1743 in Morayshire. Apparently this wolf had killed two children, but
before the Laird of Macintosh could arrange a hunting party for it, his appointed stalker MacQueen had done the job for him.
Thankfully, today we have a more enlightened view towards our wildlife, and with proper management and consideration there is no reason why we cannot live together with our precious heritage.  |
