The Manx Loaghtan and Leicester Longwool sheep breeds have been highlighted on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) Watchlist for 2025-2026, indicating their risk of extinction. The Manx Loaghtan, native to the Isle of Man, has experienced a 34% decline in pedigree offspring since 2022, reaching its lowest effective population since records began in 2000. Similarly, the Leicester Longwool has seen a 29% drop in dams producing pedigree progeny, contributing to a continued decrease in its effective population size.

In response to these alarming trends, the RBST is urging the UK environment secretary to reinstate the ministerial native breeds roundtable to facilitate coordinated efforts for the conservation of native breeds. While the situation for the Manx Loaghtan and Leicester Longwool is dire, the RBST has noted some positive developments in other rare breeds, such as Gloucester cattle and Large White pigs, which have shown signs of stabilization due to targeted conservation actions.

The RBST Watchlist serves as a critical tool for assessing the status of the UK’s native livestock breeds, categorizing them based on their risk levels and genetic diversity. It emphasizes the importance of these breeds for sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, calling for urgent action to ensure their survival and maintain the resilience of the food chain.