by Flavio Winkler Ford –
This year has seen lots of hope for the return of wildcats (Felis silvestris) to Scotland. This is a species that, in 2019 was classed as functionally extinct in the UK. Wildcats are in this situation due to a combination of historic persecution, habitat loss, hybridisation (with domestic/feral cats), disease, and traffic collisions. The Aigas Wildcat Conservation Breeding programme plays an important role in the return of this species, and we have had great success this year. The Saving Wildcats reintroduction programme has also been very successful.
A report in 2019 found that captive breeding of wildcats for release into the wild is needed if the species is to be saved from total extinction in the UK. Since 2011, we have successfully bred 11 wildcat kittens at Aigas with 3 of those being born this year!
Wildcats, Maree and Broch, are now first-time parents to a female kitten called Rowan who was born on the 29th of May. Her name was the most popular in a public poll. It was suggested by our long-term volunteer, Sue, who was inspired by the impressive crop of rowan berries that turned the Highlands red this year. Rowan is now resembling more of an adult wildcat than a kitten, as they grow-up so quickly. She is by far our most vocal wildcat, especially when food is involved.
Wildcats, Brora and Fergus, have produced 2 kittens this year which were born quite late in the season on the 16th of August. Brora is an experienced mother and has been doing a good job of raising the kittens. The kittens are both very playful; one of them is particularly bold and is already hissing at rangers despite its tiny size. We believe that the kittens are both female, but we will confirm when they are a little older.
Any kittens born at Aigas are extremely important for the future of the species in the UK. A female wildcat called Skye, who was born at Aigas in 2019, is now living at the Highland Wildlife Park’s breeding for release centre. Amazingly, she gave birth to 4 kittens this year, and they all meet the criteria for release into the wild next year.
Saving Wildcats is the name of the project that is releasing wildcats into the Cairngorms National Park. It is being managed by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland in collaboration with other project partners. 19 wildcats were released last year, and 7 of the females gave birth in the wild this year. That’s a really positive sign that the reintroduction is being successful. 9 more wildcats were released this summer, and 16 are likely to be released next year. The Saving Wildcats project will be completed by 2026, but plans are being made to decide on the next steps to save this iconic species in Scotland.
