Wild Cats Uk Scotland
The Scottish Wildcat is the worlds rarest cat.
Wild cats uk scotland. Wildcat kittens are going to be released into the wild in England for the first time in 150 years. 30 could vaccinate one of the cats to protect them from disease. 750 could feed a wildcat for a week.
Scotland is home to one of the UKs national treasures the Scottish Wildcat. Persecuted for centuries its range steadily declined until by the First World War it was only found in the north west of. There have been 155 big cat sightings reported to UK police forces in the past.
This project includes the development of Britains first dedicated wildcat conservation breeding for release centre and aims to secure the future of the species. No one knows exactly how many of these shy secretive creatures roam the Scottish Highlands although some estimate there could be fewer than 50 but certainly not more than a few hundred. A sad history of habitat loss persecution and more recently breeding with domestic cats has forced the Highland Tiger to a point where the population is no longer viable.
The wildcat is one of the Cairngorms National Parks and Scotlands most iconic and evocative mammals and yet it may be on the brink of extinctionthe main threats to the future survival of the species in Scotland were. The wild cat was once common over most of the British Isles but it is now only found in Scotland and is under threat with an estimated 400 remaining outside captivity. Working together with the project partners the UKs captive breeding holders for wildcats and international specialists in species recovery Saving Wildcats is the greatest hope for wildcats in Scotland.
These have been domesticated for some time and are brought these as pets to Britain. Many wildcats breed with feral domestic cats. The first of its kind in the UK the centre will establish founder populations of wildcats and prepare them for life in the wild.
These majestic cats are native to the Highlands and Deeside Branch is nestled within one of their natural habitats. A combination of hunting and habitat loss meant they disappeared from England and Wales close to 200 years ago. Wildcats are in trouble.