Wildcats released into Cairngorms National Park give birth in the wild, marking milestone in conservation project
Two wildcats released into Cairngorms National Park as part of the Saving Wildcats project have given birth in the wild, signifying a significant advancement in efforts to recover the wildcat population in Scotland. The project led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland aims to address threats such as hybridization with domestic cats and restore the critically endangered species through breeding and releasing them into their natural habitat.
Two wildcats released into Cairngorms National Park last year have given birth, a significant achievement in wildcat recovery efforts in Scotland. In June 2023, nineteen wildcats, bred in captivity, were released as part of the Saving Wildcats project, led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Conservation experts confirmed that at least two of the released females have given birth in the wild.
Dr. Keri Langridge, the field manager for Saving Wildcats, indicated that the discovery of kittens marks a major milestone. The project aims to restore the critically endangered wildcat population by breeding and releasing them into the wild while addressing threats such as hybridization with domestic cats and predator control activities. Of the 19 wildcats released, 16 are currently alive and monitored, while two are presumed to have dispersed beyond tracking range, and one female died five weeks after release.
The team will attempt to obtain DNA profiles from the kittens when they are older to verify their parentage. Dr. Helen Senn, leading the project, emphasized the initial success in the first breeding season, despite challenges that the wildcats face in the wild. The team has also worked with local communities to ensure domestic cats are neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, aiding the conservation efforts.
