The Highland cow has been named the nation's favorite native species in a World Cup of Scottish animals, drawing attention to species in need of protection. The competition, hosted on social media by the National Trust for Scotland, saw the Highland cow hold off challenges from 31 other animals and insects.
In the final round, the Highland cow secured 56 percent of the vote against the red squirrel. This 10-week event involved over 86,000 votes cast in head-to-head polls, with the otter, Highland cow, red squirrel, and Scottish wildcat reaching the semi-finals. The National Trust for Scotland organized the contest to coincide with the FIFA World Cup, aiming to highlight species and habitats within its care.
The conservation charity's 'Plan for Nature,' launched in 2024, identifies six priority habitats and 26 priority species for conservation efforts across its 76,000-hectare estate. These range from puffins to the Ampedus Tristis beetle.
This is the second time the National Trust for Scotland has hosted the Animal World Cup, following a successful debut in 2020 when the otter was crowned champion. The competition featured a wide array of creatures, including the basking shark, Highland midge, and Scotland's 'Big Five'—the otter, golden eagle, red deer, red squirrel, and harbour seal. The Highland cow advanced past the adder, corncrake, Atlantic puffin, and otter before its final match against the red squirrel.
Jeff Waddell, the National Trust for Scotland's Head of Nature Conservation, stated that the competition, while light-hearted, serves as an important method for public engagement. He emphasized the necessity of protecting species and habitats, many of which are in alarming decline. Waddell also noted that nature conservation positively impacts well-being, a key objective for the charity.
"While we are spurred on to protect the many habitats and species in alarming decline, we also know that nature conservation has many positive impacts on our wellbeing, something that is a key part of our objective as a charity that shares Scotland's special places with the world," Waddell said. "The Scottish Animal World Cup may be a light-hearted competition for social media, but it's also an important way to engage with people and remind them that these species are worth protecting."
He added that the selection of animals represented both the 'Plan for Nature' and some of Scotland's most recognized creatures. The Highland cow, though not one of the 26 priority species in the 'Plan for Nature,' plays a role in conservation grazing and habitat management, making it a "very worthy victor."
The top eight species in this year's competition included the Highland cow as winner, the red squirrel as runner-up, and the otter and Scottish wildcat as semi-finalists. Quarter-finalists were the grey seal, Atlantic puffin, golden eagle, and pine marten.