Fifty wildcats (Felis silvestris) have now been released into the Scottish Highlands through the Saving Wildcats conservation project. The milestone was reached following the release of four more animals this summer.
Led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Saving Wildcats is working to prevent the species from disappearing from Scotland and has been releasing wildcats into Cairngorms National Park since 2023.
Early results are encouraging: female wildcats have given birth in the wild for three consecutive years, suggesting that released animals are successfully reproducing in the area. However, the species remains critically endangered in Scotland and, according to the project, will require continued conservation support.
“To have released fifty wildcats in four years is a monumental step for the recovery of this iconic Scottish species. It is a testament to the partnerships and communities that are working to ensure wildcat survival in Scotland. We are proud but we all remain conscious of the difficulties wildcats still face,” says Dr Sarah Henshall, head of conservation for the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
Future releases will increase genetic diversity
The project does not intend to stop at 50. Further releases are planned to increase both the number of wildcats and the genetic diversity of the emerging population.
Future releases will include individuals bred with Spanish wildcats, which the project describes as the closest living genetic relatives of Scotland’s wildcats.
Building a diverse gene pool is considered important for helping the population adapt to environmental changes over the long term.
“The wild is a tough place for wildcats and that is before the added pressures of climate change. Just look to this summer where wildfires caused extensive damage to known wildcat habitats in the Cairngorms National Park,” explains Dr Helen Senn, head of conservation and science programmes at RZSS.
“It is important to continue bolstering the wildcat population through releases. Establishing a diverse gene pool will help the population adapt to changing conditions over the coming century. This will support a healthy and sustainable population and give wildcats the best chance of long-term survival.”
Eleven deaths recorded, five caused by vehicle collisions
Monitoring has also recorded 11 deaths among released wildcats over three years, five of them caused by vehicle collisions.
Several of these animals had nevertheless survived in the wild for years and produced litters before their deaths. According to Saving Wildcats, the recorded mortality rate compares favourably with rates often seen in other translocation projects.
Roads remain a concern, and the team is working with local authorities and communities to raise awareness of wildcats and explore opportunities for additional signage.
Coexistence with people is another key element of the programme. Wildcat habitats often overlap with managed land, including mosaics of forest edges, rough grassland, scrub and riparian areas. Saving Wildcats therefore works with land managers, farmers and local communities to support the species’ return.
The milestone of 50 released wildcats also follows the publication of Scotland’s Wildcat Strategy by NatureScot, which draws on lessons from Saving Wildcats to help shape the next steps for securing the future of wildcats in Scotland.
