Nineteen wildcats released in the summer into Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, as part of the Saving Wildcats project, are reportedly thriving with just one recorded death, according to conservationists.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), NatureScot, Forestry and Land Scotland, and Cairngorms National Park Authority collaborated on the groundbreaking project, which is closely monitoring the cats using GPS-radio collars. The wildcats, endangered and native to grassland and woodland habitats, were reintroduced in an effort to boost their dwindling population.
The project has seen the birth of 13 kittens at RZSS’s Highland Wildlife Park, set to be released into the wild next summer once they reach six to eight months of age. While the current success is celebrated, challenges lie ahead as winter approaches, posing potential threats due to a scarcity of prey and harsh weather conditions.
Helen Senn, RZSS Head of Science and Conservation Programmes, expressed satisfaction with the progress but highlighted the need for ongoing conservation efforts. She stated, “Further releases and many more years of conservation action will be required to increase the likelihood of saving this iconic species in Scotland.” The project is engaging closely with landowners where wildcats are present, and legal protections are in place to safeguard their habitats.
Visitors to the Highlands are urged to refrain from sharing the locations of these wildcats, emphasizing the importance of preserving their environment and minimizing human interference.
Wildcats thriving in Scottish Highlands conservation project – BBC News