Scottish wild cats

We are at risk of losing our remaining wild cat population. They are sadly thought to be functionally extinct. When an animal is classed as ‘functionally extinct’ it means there are such small numbers left, that they cannot perform their function in an ecosystem, in this case as predators. It is estimated that there are between 40-400 individuals left, it is most likely the number is at the lower end of this range.

Wild cats are carnivores and help maintain a balanced ecosystem. Their diet includes small mammals and rabbits, who’s numbers are held in check by this predation. Without animals such as wild cats, numbers of prey animals can increase to large numbers and this can affect the environment.

Threats to the wild cats include:

• Harm from predator control activities
• Feline diseases
• Road collisions
• Change/loss of habitat

The biggest problem however is interbreeding with domestic cats. This causes hybridisation diluting the genetics of the wild cat.

Identifying a wildcat can be very difficult as the coat of the wildcat is very similar to the domestic cat, with only a few subtle differences. The markings, compared to a tabby cat, are slightly different. Wild cats have unbroken stripes on their side, the stripe down their back stops at the tail and they have a blunt tipped tail with black rings.

Although domestic cats and wild cats do look similar, they are in fact a completely different species. Our pet cats are descendants from African-Asian wild cats that over thousands of years have been domesticated by people. The wild cats of Scotland are from Europe and have never been domesticated.

Captive breeding for release is the only way we can safeguard this species from becoming extinct in Scotland. The’ Saving Wildcats project’ has been established by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and supported by many zoos like us in the UK.

One of the main aims of the project is identify the best individuals to breed from. These cats will have strong wild cat genetics. In the Highlands Wildlife park, they have a breeding for release centre, which includes a soft release site to prepare individuals for life in the wild. These sites are semi wild, and allow the cats to learn the vital skills needed to survive in the wild.

As well as breeding for release. The project works with local communities to understand how best people can benefit from the presence of wildcats, through ventures like eco-tourism. If people spot a potential wild cat they are encouraged to report these sightings, this is to help scientists and researchers fully understand their geographic range.

A programme for neutering domestic and feral cats in the area, has also been established, this will reduce the interbreeding of the two groups to try and prevent hybridisation.

Here at Beale Wildlife Park we have a breeding pair of Scottish Wildcats, both with strong wildcat genetics. These animals have been bred as part of the Highlands breeding programme. By breeding cats with these traits, it will help future offspring that could be released to have the best chance of survival in the wild. Maintaining a healthy captive population is key to being able to reintroduce this species back into the wild.

Neutering free roaming pets such as cats is important to avoid unwanted pregnancies, and stops the problem of interbreeding between wild and domestic animals or make a donation by clicking here to our Conservation Projects Fund.

Saving wild cats – https://www.savingwildcats.org.uk/