A recent success story unfolds in Cairngorms National Park, where a new generation of Scottish Wildcats, bred in captivity, has been reintroduced into their natural habitat. This significant milestone is attributed to the efforts of the Saving Wildcats project, which oversaw the release of 19 wildcats equipped with GPS collars during the summer.
The harsh winter months pose a challenge for solitary hunting cats, resulting in elevated mortality rates. While it is anticipated that not all 19 individuals will endure the winter, one unfortunate cat has already succumbed to an infection. Despite these challenges, the ongoing breeding and reintroduction program, a collaborative initiative involving the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), NatureScot, Forestry and Land Scotland, and the Cairngorms National Park Authority, remains steadfast in its commitment.
Thirteen kittens are currently being raised in captivity under conditions that replicate the Cairngorms environment. This strategic approach aims to prepare them for future releases, ensuring a sustainable and resilient wildcat population. The species, once declared “functionally extinct in the wild” due to habitat loss and interbreeding with domesticated cats, is now on the path to recovery thanks to the collective efforts of various conservation groups.
The Saving Wildcats project, with its ambitious goals, envisions reintroducing 60 juveniles aged between 6 and 8 months into the wild in the coming years. This forward-looking initiative offers a hopeful perspective for the Scottish Wildcats, hinting at a brighter future for this iconic species. In addition to reintroduction efforts, Saving Wildcats collaborates closely with landowners, fostering an environment where wildcats are free to roam without the risk of mating with domestic cats, further safeguarding the integrity of the species.
“The time is now to give the ‘Highland Tiger’ the best chance of survival and I am thankful for the work of our team members, partners, and supporters in making this happen,” David Field said. He worked with Saving Wildcats in June when the first reintroductions happened in the area.
“I am also particularly grateful for the support of our local community in the Cairngorms as, without their engagement, we would not have reached this exciting milestone.”
Those who chance upon this wild feline are encouraged not to disclose the whereabouts of the sighting.
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