Researchers are trying to revive the plant population, of which only 110 remain in the wild.
Cotoneaster cambricus is one of the rarest plants in the world. The peculiarity of this species of tarpaulin is that it can only be found in a few isolated places along the cliffs in North Wales. IFLScience writes that the population of this plant was very large in the 18th century, but overcollection and grazing led to the almost complete extinction of the species.
As a result, there are only 6 plants left in the world known to science. To save the species and expand its population, researchers at Britain’s Chester Zoo began breeding cotoneaster in captivity and then returning it to the wild. As a result, they managed to increase the population significantly: there are now 110 mountain herbs growing in the wild.
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During the latest work on the restoration of the species, scientists planted three dozen bushes in nature. Note that scientists do not name the place where the plants were planted, leaving it a secret. But the secret planting location was carefully chosen based on the needs of this rare and endangered plant, the team said.
According to Chester Zoo team manager Richard Hewitt, he and his colleagues grew the plants from seedlings for several years and then observed them for a few more years before planting them in the wild later.
Researchers note that special protective measures have been applied to all 30 plants to prevent them from being passed on by animals. Now scientists hope that dozens of new plants will be able to take root in the secret place and their numbers in this area will increase over time. It is hoped that their numbers will continue to increase as plants can bloom and develop from seedlings without the risk of being eaten.
Note that Cotoneaster cambricus is just one of the species Chester Zoo is trying to save. Zoo staff have previously played a role in saving endangered sand lizards in the UK. Scientists also helped save the endangered pine grouse and rare aquatic species. The study authors also reported that the planting of 30 shrubs in early March 2024 was the culmination of their 7-year study.
Previously Focus He wrote that scientists have compiled a map of places on Earth where unknown animal species might live.
Source: Focus
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