PREVIEW

One of the rarest plants in the world has been reintroduced to a secret site in Wales. Cotoneaster cambricu is a critically endangered species that is found nowhere else on the planet other than exposed, isolated cliff faces in North Wales. To help bolster the wild population, 30 individual C. cambricus plants were recently planted in a mystery location by a specialist team from Chester Zoo. This botanical treasure was once widespread across the area in the 18th Century, but their numbers dropped to just six individual plants because of overcollection for their ornamental beauty. Sadly, the shrubs are not regenerating naturally as grazing animals, such as sheep, goats, and rabbits, prevent any seedlings from growing properly and reduce the size and flowering of older plants. The team provided the 30 newly planted individuals with varying protection measures to help assess what is needed to effectively shield these plants from grazers in the future. A collaborative group of partners has helped to increase the number of plants in the wild from six to around 110 individuals, giving this near extinct species the boost it needs to help ensure its long-term survival.