Wildcats are the most endangered native mammal in Scotland. The European wildcat is Scotland’s last remaining felid species. They typically weigh between three to seven kilograms and have distinct striped markings and blunt bushy tails. They prefer a mixture of habitat types including grasslands and their presence in a landscape is an excellent indicator of ecosystem health.
The species also has a long history in Scottish culture and mythology. It is one of Scotland’s most iconic species, embodying wild nature for the Scottish Highlands.
Once widespread across the UK, the species is now on the brink of extinction in Scotland. A report published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Cat Specialist Group concluded that the Scottish population is functionally extinct.
The Saving Wildcats partnership has been releasing wildcats into the Cairngorms National Park since 2023. Situated at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore, Saving Wildcats built the first dedicated conservation breeding for release centre (CBRC) for felids in the UK and was the first project to release wildcats. The CBRC is an off-show centre where a dedicated team breed wildcats and prepare them for the challenges of life in the wild.
Over three years, Saving Wildcats has released 46 individuals each fitted with a GPS-radio collar and has seen two years of breeding in the wild. Slowly, with support, wildcats are making a comeback.
Photos: © Saving Wildcats / Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Action Needed
- Mandatory microchipping of domestic pet cats in Scotland
- Continued support for long-term funding of nature restoration activities and projects, such as the nature restoration fund.
- Support agencies to produce clear guidance for land managers.
- Support actions that require greater cross-compliance from landowners in receipt of public funds to allow access for wildlife monitoring and management actions for critically endangered species.
Threats
Hybridisation – one of the biggest threats that wildcats face is hybridisation with domestic cats. Whilst separate species, wildcats and domestic cats can mate and produce fertile offspring. Saving Wildcats operates a trap, neuter, vaccinate and return policy within Strathspey and Badenoch. Legislation changes such as mandatory microchipping would support efforts being made to restore wildcat populations across Scotland.
Persecution – historic persecution of wildcats saw the decline of the species and likely led to hybridisation with domestic cats as wildcat numbers decreased. Historically, wildcats were viewed as vermin and until legal protection in 1988 they could be controlled. Saving Wildcats works closely with landowners and land managers to increase awareness in identifying wildcats and has created guidance alongside NatureScot to support this.
Habitat loss – Wildcats need a mosaic of mixed forest and grassland habitat. Mixed forest is used by wildcats as it provides cover and potential den sites, whilst grassland habitat makes for fantastic prey availability. Continued support for landscape scale restoration which benefits multiple species would help support wildcats as they return to Scotland.
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