Wildcat population to be surveyed
Scottish Natural Heritage has appealed for everyone that is out and about in the countryside to take part in a year long survey intended to help discover the true numbers of Scottish Wildcats still surviving in the country.
Estimates place the numbers of this secretive creature as low as only 400, although others have suggested the number could be as high as 4,000. Still surviving in Scottish woods and moorland, the species became extinct in England and Wales some 150 years ago, and is now the last surviving native member of the cat family to be found in Britain. The Scottish wildcat has managed to survive by living in the areas between mountains and moorland, forests and fields, living on rabbits, and small birds and mammals. One of the threats to its survival as a distinct species is crossbreeding with feral domestic cats.
The count is being carried out as part of the Scottish Government’s Species Action Framework and is an effort to safeguard this rare mammal.
BBC News video article.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A WILDCAT
- Thick brown coat with distinctive black stripes
- Few spotted markings or white patches
- Black and brown rings on tail, with black tip
- Source: The Scottish Wildcat Association
If you haven’t seen a wildcat, then they can be difficult to distinguish from a similarly marked domestic cat, however once seen, they are easier to identify.
A couple of clues exist for the unwary: first, you’re unlikely to get close to a real wildcat – they’re far too wary of humans, and second, if you do get near enough and try to pet one, the sudden appearance of shredded fingers and an empty space where you thought you saw the cat.
Short trailer for DVD film, The Last of the Scottish Wildcats.
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I think the History Channel here in America would like to see your movie.I am sure the channel would pay you and also advertise your film for sale on its show and website.I am referring to the movie advertised on the The Scottish Wildcat Association website.
I was wondering if the Scottish Wildcat has ever lived on the Western Isles? Did or do they exsist on the Island of Skye? Could you tell me what is being or can be done to ensure their survival?
Try the Scottish Wildcat Association link given in the post above (and now in the banner on the right) – they have more detailed information and links to further resources.
As far as I know, the Scottish Wildcat has never existed on any Scottish islands in recent times. This is simply because it is a top-level predator, and there would be insufficient prey to sustain a viable wildcat population. I believe it would also be an offence, and cruel as they would starve to death, for anyone to try an introduce the species to an island.