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SCOTTISHNATURALHERIT

AGE

NATURALLYSCOT

TISH

SCOTTISHWILDCATS

Scottish wildcatsNaturally Scottish

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Scottish wildcatsNaturally Scottish

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Author: Kerry KilshawContributions rom: Mairi Cole (SNH)Series Editor: John Baxter (SNH)Design and production: SNH Publishing

www.snh.gov.uk

Scottish Natural Heritage 2011

Photography: Pete Cairns/naturepl.com rontispiece, 5, 13 bottom right; Pete Cairns/Northshots opposite contents, 3, 6, 8, 12, 14, 34, 44; Cairngorms Wildcat Project 33; MichaelCallan/FLPA 13 top right, 20, 27; Laurie Campbell opposite introduction, 18, 19 top let,29, 30, 40, 41; Graham Ella/Alamy 22; Lorne Gill/SNH inside ront cover, 15, 16, 38, 39

top;Mark Hamblin

19 right;Tony Hamblin/FLPA

13 let;National Museums of Scotland

2;William Paton/NHPA 42; Colin Preston/naturepl.com 19 bottom let; Keith Ringland 32,39 bottom; Chris Robbins/Alamy 46; Andy Rouse/naturepl.com ront cover; Ingo Schulz/Imagebroker/FLPA 25; Jurgen & Christine Sohns/FLPA 37; Ann & Steve Toon/NHPAopposite oreword, 23; Duncan Usher/ardea.com 7; Terry Whittaker/FLPA 36.

Illustration: Ashworth Maps Interpretation Ltd 17; Clare Hewitt 24 bottom;John Tasker 10, 11.

ISBN: 978 1 85397 683 4JTCP1.5K0311

Further copies are available rom: Publications,Scottish Natural Heritage, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth PH1 3EWTel 01738 458530 Fax 01738 458613 pubs@snh.gov.uk

This publication is printed on Revive 75.This paper contains material sourced rom responsibly managed and sustainableorests certifed in accordance with the FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council).

Further booklets in the series are available.

To order these and other publications visit: www.snh.gov.uk

Front cover image:

Close-up o wildcat.

Frontispiece:

Wildcat, Cairngorms National Park.

Inside front & back covers:

Close-up o wildcat ur.

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Scottish wildcats

Naturally Scottishby Kerry Kilshaw

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Foreword

With a reputation o being wild and untameable, the Scottish wildcat is one o our most elusive andearsome species. Agile and intelligent, the wildcat is representative o our wild lands, where survival

depends on wit and will. As a consequence, it is a creature that has long been surrounded in myth andlegend. From the evocative pictures presented in this book, it is clear to see why this rare and graceulpredator is also known as the Highland Tiger. This book pairs stunning images with the latest studiesand inormation on wildcat ecology to raise awareness o a species less amiliar to many people thanthe tigers o South-east Asia and Siberia, but more endangered.

From the background inormation on wildcat ecology to a summary o the current approaches inconservation, this book presents the key issues acing our only native cat species. The main message,

that hybridization is the key problem that could realistically lead to their extinction rom Scotland, is ogreat concern. It is clear that we need to reduce the level o hybridization with domestic cats and theencroachment o eral cats urther into wild cat territories. Responsible pet ownership will play a veryimportant part in the uture conservation o the Scottish wildcat.

The Scottish wildcat needs our help. I hope that this book will raise the profle o this iconic animal,highlight the importance o the wildcat as an important element o Scotlands wildlie and generatesupport or conservation eorts.

Roseanna Cunningham MSPMinister or Environment

1

The Highland tiger.

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1 Introduction

1 History o the wildcat

2 Cultural signifcance andmythology

4 Defnition o a wildcat

9 Distinguishing eatures

10 Domestic cat

11 Scottish wildcat

12 Habitat preerences andcurrent distribution

12 Habitat

16 Current distribution

17 Records o probable wildcatsightings rom 20062008survey

18 Diet and hunting behaviour

23 Breeding behaviour

24 Wildcat annual lie cycle

Contents

1

Thick ur enables the wildcat to survive

even the coldest winters.

28 Social behaviour

and organization

33 Threats

33 Hybridization

35 Disease

35 Habitat loss and ragmentation

36 Mortality

42 What you can do to help

38 Neutering39 Vaccination

40 Report wildcat sightings

40 Reducing the number o roadcasualties

40 Report any illegal activities

43 Wildcats and the law

46 Names

47 Finding out more

47 Further reading

47 Useul websites

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Introduction

History of the wildcat

The Scottish wildcat Felis silvestris grampia is the only native member ofthe cat family living in the UK today. It is believed to be a descendant ofcontinental European wildcat ancestors (Felis silvestris), that colonizedBritain after the last Ice Age (7,0009,000 years ago).

The earliest fossil remains of the wildcat were found in Berkshire. After theIce Age, the wildcat was found across mainland Britain and some of theInner Hebrides including the Isle of Skye and Bute. However, when Britainsforests began to recede as a result of deforestation, the wildcat disappeared

from much of its range. By 1800 it was already restricted to northernEngland, Wales (where it was scarce) and Scotland. By 1850 it had almostdisappeared from west central Wales and was just south of the border inNorthumberland. By 1880 the wildcat survived only in Scotland, and by1915 its range had further contracted and was restricted to the north-west ofthe Scottish Highlands.

The initial decline of the Scottish wildcat occurred partly because of habitatloss, particularly the loss of forests, and partly as a result of being hunted

for its fur and being persecuted. In particular, the development of sportingestates in Scotland from the mid -19th century onwards increased the rateof decline because the wildcat was shot as part of the game bird predatorcontrol carried out on many estates.

The Scottish wildcat is now found only in northern Scotland.

1The wildcat has excellent vision

and sensitive whiskers, important

when hunting prey.

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Cultural signifcance and mythology

Culturally, the Scottish wildcat is an icon o Scottish wilderness and hasbeen used in clan heraldry since the 13th century. For example, the title othe Chie o the Clan Sutherland is Morair Chat(Great Man o the Cats),there is a cat in the clan crest and their motto is Sans Pier (without ear).

Historically, Caithness was known as Caitaibh or land o the cats. The ClanChattan Association (known as the Clan o Cats) consists o 12 dierentclans, most o which carry the wildcat in their badges, and their motto isTouch not the cat bot (without) a glove, a warning to anyone threatening theClan Chattan and its members.

Cats have also played a part in Britains mythology and it is probable thatwildcats were instrumental in this imagery. They are legendarily erocioushunters with a bold and fery spirit, and are considered o all truly Scottishwildlieto be the most untameable (Thompson, 1978), oten termedthe British tiger (Aikman, 1843). One author, Charles St John, statedthat When caught in a trap, they fy without hesitation at any person whoapproaches them, not waiting to be assailed. I have heard many stories otheir attacking and severely wounding a man, when their escape has beencut o I a tame cat has 9 lives then a wildcat must have a dozen.

1

Fossilised wildcat bones ound at

Loch Borralie in Caithness.

2

Sign on gate at Newtonmore,

depicting the crest o the Clan

MacPherson the Scottish

wildcat.

10mm

1

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2

In Scottish mythology, the Cat Sth is a airy creature, or sometimes a witch,resembling a large black cat with a white spot on its chest that haunts theScottish Highlands. The legends surrounding this creature are thoughtto have been inspired by the Kellas cat, a large black cat that may be adistinctive cross between a wildcat and a domestic cat.

The long history o the wildcat in both Scottish olklore and culture indicateshow important the wildcat was to our ancestors. For this reason, and

because it is our only native elid and is fghting or its survival, it is importantto take steps now to save the wildcat rom extinction beore we lose thischarismatic species orever.

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Defnition o a wildcat

The Scottish wildcat is a member o the cat amily (known as the Felidae). Ingeneral, the Scottish wildcat is larger than the domestic cat, with longer legs,a larger head and, overall, a more muscular or robust appearance. Males

can have a total length, including their tail, o 823981 millimetres and weigh3.777.26 kilograms. Females are smaller, reaching 730895 millimetres inlength and weighing 2.354.68 kilograms. The wildcat looks like a stripedtabby, with its greyish brown to yellowish brown ur and dark brownish blackstripes.

In the past, it has oten been very difcult to distinguish between the Scottishwildcat and the domestic tabby cat. This is because the two have extensivelyinterbred to produce hybrid ospring. These hybrids live in the wild andhave a mixture o both wildcat and domestic cat genes. Although hybridsmay resemble wildcats, there are some specifc dierences, notably thatthe stripes on the rump o hybrids tend to break down into spots and thetail tends to be more tapered. The dorsal stripe, one o the most prominenteatures o a wildcat, also tends to run onto the tail in hybrids rather thanstopping at the base o the tail as it does in the wildcat. Identifcation can beespecially difcult in the wild, when a sighting might be little more than a brieglimpse o an individual cat disappearing rom view.

4

1Its distinctive markings have

earned it the name the

Highland tiger.

The Scottish wildcat has excellent hearing and iscapable o independent rotation o each ear through180 degrees.

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3

2

Heather moorland is an ideal

habitat for wildlife.

3

The Scottish wildcat is adapted to

survive even in the coldest winter.

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4

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Distinguishing features

There has been much debate over the eatures that make a Scottish wildcatdierent rom a domestic cat or wildcat/domestic hybrid. Over the past1520 years, a great deal o research has been carried out on the Scottishwildcat to try to determine which eatures could be used to separate the

wildcat rom the domestic tabby. Studies conducted largely on dead catshave shown that wildcats are typically larger in size, with a shorter intestinallength, longer limb bones and a more robust skull than domestic cats. TheScottish wildcat has also been shown to be genetically dierent rom thedomestic cat.

More recently, seven key pelage markings have been identifed that suggestconsistent dierences in appearance between wildcats and domestictabbies. These provide a useul way to distinguish the species in the wild.

Hybrids vary in appearance and some may be more similar to wildcats thanothers. They are generally larger than domestic cats but with a tabby coatthat can be conused with wildcats. Domestic tabby cats and hybrids canhave patches o white in their coat, such as white paws or white patches ontheir back or sides, but the Scottish wildcat has no such markings.

4

Wildcat climbing a fallen tree

in a pine forest, Cairngorms

National Park.

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Domestic cat

Thinner, fused or

non-existent stripes

Thin or non-existent stripes

Several broken

stripes and spots

Many spots

Dorsal stripecontinues along tail

Fused or disjointed

tail bands

Slender tail, often

narrows to a point

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Scottish wildcat

Thick, wavy stripes

Thick, black stripes

More complete stripes No spots

Dorsal stripe ends

at base of tail

Distinct tail bands

Thick, blunt

tipped tail

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Habitat preerences andcurrent distribution

HabitatWildcats live in habitats that satisy two main requirements: shelter and ood.

Woodlands and areas o dense gorse or juniper thickets provide shelter

and resting places. Young orestry plantations in particular are an important

habitat or wildcats because they are protected rom grazing and support a

high density o small mammal prey. Rocky areas also provide den shelters or

emale wildcats during the breeding season.

Wildcats require open patches o habitat, such as pastures or riparian areas,or hunting. However, when moving around their territories, they preer to

avoid open areas, using woodland or scrub and stream edges or cover.

Heavy snow makes it difcult or wildcats to move around or catch prey, and

i there is deep snow on the ground or long periods, wildcats will move to

orested areas or lower altitudes, where there is typically less snow cover.

1

Ancient pine woodland withlush understorey o heather and

blaeberry, Rothiemurchus Forest,

Cairngorms National Park.

2

Wildcats avour orested areas or

shelter especially during periods

o adverse weather.

3

Female wildcats give birth to their

kittens in dens where they remain

or about the frst fve weeks.

4

Open moorland is a avourite

habitat or hunting.

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2 3

4

S

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The Scottish wildcat will venture to an altitude of around 800 metres but itis not generally found higher than 650 metres. It avoids heavily urbanizedareas, areas of intense agriculture and exposed coasts.

The habitat used by the Scottish wildcat differs regionally. In the east ofScotland, wildcats prefer the margins of moorlands, pasturelands and

woodlands, whereas in the west they prefer uplands with rough grazing andmoorlands with limited pastures. These differences are due to the type ofprey and cover available in these areas. For example, low rabbit densitiesin the west of Scotland mean that the wildcat needs to hunt voles and micethat are found in greater concentrations in areas of rough pasture, scrub andwoodland edges.

5

Ancient pine forest, Glenfeshie,

Cairngorms National Park.

6

Flood plain of the River Dee,

looking west.

5

6

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C t di t ib ti 7

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Current distribution

In the early to mid 1900s, the wildcat had started to recolonize some of itsformer range. This was helped by woodland replanting following the FirstWorld War, thus increasing the amount of cover available for the wildcats.By the 1980s, the wildcat had strongholds in areas of Scotland including the

Cairngorms, the Black Isle, Aberdeenshire and Ardnamurchan.

The most recent survey carried out in 2009 collected more recordings ofsightings from the east of Scotland than the west.

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Claish, Ardnamurchan is typical

wildcat country on the west coast

of Scotland.

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Records of probable wildcat sightings from 2006 2008 survey

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PERTH

DUNDEE

ABERDEEN

INVERNESS

KIRKWALL

STIRLINGEDINBURGH

GLASGOW

DUMFRIES

HAWICK

LERWICK

Probable wildcat record

Records of probable wildcat sightings from 20062008 survey

Diet and hunting behaviour1

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Diet and hunting behaviour

Wildcats are carnivores. They have forward-facing eyes that give them thebinocular vision and depth perception needed for hunting, and retractableclaws, sharp teeth and strong jaw muscles to kill their prey. They also have

excellent night vision and hearing for detecting small rodents. Like othermembers of the cat family, they have very sensitive whiskers that enablethem to detect changes in air movement around them and help them tohunt at night.

The preferred prey of the Scottish wildcat is the European rabbit Oryctolaguscuniculus but they also eat small mammals, mainly voles Microtus spp.and wood mice Apodemus sylvaticus. Rabbits can form up to 70% of thewildcats diet in eastern Scotland where the prey densities are high. Small

mammals form the majority of their diet (c.47%) in other areas, where thereare fewer rabbits. The Scottish wildcat will also take birds, reptiles andinvertebrates where these are easily available.

The wildcat is a stealthy hunter

typically killing its prey with a

single bite.

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Examples of a wildcats prey 4

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includes:

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Water vole.

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Wood mouse.

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Rabbit.

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3

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Like most cat species, the Scottish

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wildcat relies on stealth to catch itsprey, waiting patiently outside arabbit hole until it can ambush apassing rabbit, or walking slowly inthe grass or woodlands listening for

the rustling sound of a small rodent.Prey are killed instantly by a swiftbite to the neck and are either eatenon the spot or are half eaten and theremains buried or hidden for later.Wildcats need to hunt for 7 to 9hours a day in order to catchenough food to survive.

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A wildcat with its captured prey.

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Breeding behaviour

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Breeding behaviour

Wildcats oten create dens in rock cairns, large logging piles and amongtree roots. They also use empty rabbit warrens, ox dens and badger settswhere these are available. Females are potentially ertile rom December

until August but the main mating season is in late winter (January to March).Females come into oestrus or only two to eight days and produce one litter ayear in the spring (April to May). In some cases, a second litter may be bornlater in the year i, or example, the frst litter dies young.

The gestation period or wildcats is 6368 days. They can give birth tobetween one and eight kittens, although the average is three or our per litter.Kittens are born blind and their eyes open ater 1013 days. These appearblue until the kittens reach about seven weeks old when they begin to change

to the yellow colour o an adult. Wildcat kittens begin to walk at 1620 daysand emerge rom the den to play when they are our or fve weeks old. Theybegin to hunt with their mother when they are 1012 weeks old and arenormally ully weaned by 1014 weeks old.

Wildcats reach independence between the age o 5 and 6 months whenthey start to move around looking or potential territories. Males reach sexualmaturity around 9 or 10 months old, whilst emales are a little older at around12 months. Male kittens typically leave the mothers territory where they

were born and disperse beore their frst winter, sometimes moving up to 55kilometres beore settling down. Female kittens can stay within their natalterritory during the frst winter beore dispersing.

Wildcats have been known to live up to the age o 1516 years in captivity.Studies in Scotland have shown that only 7% o wildcats live longer than sixyears in the wild, with emales living up to a maximum o 10 years and malesup to eight years. Young wildcats have a very high risk o mortality within thefrst ew weeks o leaving their natal territory, with many succumbing to roadaccidents or predation by other species such as oxes and eagles.

1

Young wildcat kittens have blue

eyes but these change to yellow

at around seven weeks of age.

2

In the early weeks of life, the

bond between mother and kitten

is strong. They learn to catch preyby accompanying their mother on

hunting trips.

2

Wildcat annual life cycle 3Initially after kittens have started

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Female fertility

Main mating period

Gestation (6368 days)

Kittens are born

Kittens reach independence

Male kittens reach sexual maturity

Female kittens reach sexual maturity

Young males disperse

Young females disperse

y

to walk, they do not venture far

from the safety of the den.

24

3

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4Ancient tree roots can provide

a suitable den.

The Scottish wildcat

epitomises the

independent and wild

spirit of the Scottish

Highlands.

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Social behaviour

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and organization

Wildcats are generally solitary, living alone or most o the year except during

mating or when emales are raising their young. They have a dispersed socialsystem, where the home range o one male overlaps with one or more emalehome ranges. In areas where a lot o ood is available, the home rangesoverlap to a greater extent than in areas where ood is less abundant.

Wildcats use scent to mark out their territories. Scent-marked aeces (scats)are deposited in prominent places, such as on rocks or in the middle opaths. Urine is sprayed on trees or bushes. They also scratch and rub theircheeks against trees and other objects to spread their unique scent around

their territory to communicate with other wildcats.

The size o an individuals territory or home range is related to the amount oprey available. For example, in areas where rabbits are plentiul, such as inparts o the Cairngorms National Park, the home range is between 0.3 and6 kilometressquare. In areas where rabbits are scarce and they rely on smallrodents, wildcats have to cover a larger area in order to fnd enough ood toeat. In these areas, such as on the west coast o Scotland, their territoriescan range in size rom 8 to 18 kilometres square.

The Scottish wildcat is generally considered to be nocturnal or crepuscular(active at dawn and dusk). They are more nocturnal in areas where thereare greater numbers o people around, or example on the Ardnamurchanpeninsula. They may be active 24 hours a day in winter; however, inparticularly bad weather they will avoid leaving their shelters or up to24 hours.

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Wildcats are territorial andguard the boundaries of their

territories jealously.

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2Wildcats are accomplished

climbers.

The wildcat is a strong

climber but if it falls it is

able to land on its feet and

walk away unscathed.

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Threats

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There are several threats to the Scottish wildcat population, some o whichare related to human behaviour and can be addressed.

Hybridization

The greatest problem acing the Scottish wildcat is hybridization with eral ordomestic cats. Hybridization occurs when two species mate and produceospring that get hal their genes rom one parent and hal rom the other.It is not known how long hybridization has been occurring betweeneral/domestic cats and wildcats in Britain but it may have begun when theRomans brought pet cats into the country, about 2,000 years ago.

Hybridization is thought to be a bigger problem in areas where there are highpopulation densities o domestic and eral cats, such as villages and townson the edges o wildcat areas. Hybridization may also increase where thereis not enough suitable habitat, or where prey densities are reduced. Underthese circumstances, wildcats may have to cover a larger area in order tofnd enough ood and as a consequence are more likely to come into contactwith eral or domestic cats. In 2001, there were estimated to be 6 milliondomestic cats in the UK, o which 20% were eral cats. At least 16% othese eral cats are in Scotland (about 192,000 cats), and this number islikely to increase.

Hybridization has led to problems distinguishing Scottish wildcats romhybrids and domestic tabby cats. In addition to the problems this posed inassessing their distribution and abundance, it also made legal protectiondifcult to implement as the Scottish wildcat is protected under law whereasthe hybrids are not. I let unchecked, hybridization could eventually lead to a

situation where there are no pure wildcats remaining (genetic extinction).

1

Domestic tabby cat.2

Hybrid wildcat.

2

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Disease

Contact with eral and domestic cats exposes the Scottish wildcat to novel

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Contact with eral and domestic cats exposes the Scottish wildcat to noveldiseases. Although these can be benign or treatable in eral or domesticcats, they can be atal to the Scottish wildcat, which has no natural immunityagainst them. Notable problems arise rom common eline diseases such

as eline leukemia virus (FeLV) and eline calcivirus (FCV). Both FeLV andFCV can lead to pneumonia or cat u. FeLV is easily transmitted viainected body uids between young cats, as a result o fghting or mating,and can lead to the development o many severe illnesses such as anaemiaand cancer, and is almost always atal. Feral/domestic cats also carry anumber o endoparasitic diseases including Toxoplasma gondii, whichcauses toxoplasmosis and results in lethargy, poor coordination, blindnessand sometimes death. Toxoplasmosis has been ound in the Scottishwildcat population.

Habitat loss and fragmentation

Changes have arisen in the Scottish landscape over the last century as aresult o a growing human population as well as increased agricultural andindustrial pressure. Scotland was once extensively orested but a programmeo deorestion in the early 20th century led to extensive losses. Thewoodland that remains is quite ragmented, making it difcult or the wildcatto fnd areas o orest big enough to survive in.

Habitat loss and ragmentation isolates individuals or small populations romone another. This makes it difcult or wildcats to fnd a mate, which may, inturn, increase interactions with eral or domestic cats in areas where thesespecies co-exist. Isolation can also increase exposure o wildcats to roads,with a likely increase in accident-related deaths, whilst the loss o habitatleads to a reduction in the amount o prey available to the Scottish wildcat.

As well as deorestation, heavy grazing by deer, sheep and cattle can alsohave an impact on the vegetation that encourages the wildcats prey species.

3

Remnants of ancient pine forest,Rothiemurchus, Cairngorms

National Park.

Mortality

Beore the Scottish wildcat

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Beore the Scottish wildcatreceived legal protection in 1988,approximately 92% o wildcat deathswere attributable to hunting. Datarom the Game ConservancysNational Game Bag Census or198485 recorded the death o 274wildcats on 40 shooting estates incentral, eastern and north-easternScotland. This represents anannual mortality o nearly 10% othe estimated wildcat population,although it is not known what

percentage o these, i any, werehybrids. Increased mortality in lowdensity, isolated populations is aparticular problem because it couldlead to localized extinction.

Wildcats are also at risk on our roadswhere they may be casualties o roadtrafc accidents, particularly near

areas where there are many people oron popular tourist routes.

1

Caption

4

The Scottish wildcat is able to

merge into the landscape.

5

Tracks left in deep snow may beone of the few signs that there

are wildcats about.

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What you can do to help

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I you live in an area with Scottish wildcats, there are a ew key actions youcan take to help their conservation. An easy action is to use a refectivecollar on your cat to help local gamekeepers identiy your pet more easily.However, there are a ew other actions you can take too.

Neutering

Hybridization is the greatest threat to the Scottish wildcat. It is important totry and reduce or prevent this and one way to do this is to ensure local petand eral cats are neutered. This not only prevents domestic cats rom beingable to breed with a wildcat but also reduces the number o eral cats moving

into the countryside. As eral cats can have an impact on many o our wildanimals, reducing their numbers can be benecial in many ways.

1

Inspecting a camera trap at Glen

Tanar Estate, Aberdeenshire.

2

Domestic cat at Greystone Farm,

Glen Tanar, Aberdeenshire.

3

Photograph of a Scottish wildcat

taken using an infra red

camera trap.

1

Some organizations, such as CatsProtection and local vet practices,carry out a process called TrapN t R t (TNR) Thi i l

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NeuterReturn (TNR). This involvestrapping feral cats, neutering themat a local veterinary surgery andreturning them to the wild. Kittens

and tame cats can be adopted intogood homes. Over time, the feral catpopulation will be unable to breedand the numbers will reduce. It alsohelps to prevent them from breedingwith the Scottish wildcat, thus furtherreducing the threat of hybridization.

If you see any cats that look likestrays, know of any areas wherethere are lots of feral cats or live ona property that is regularly visited byferal cats, you can help by alertingthe local Cats Protection branch orveterinary surgery. Volunteers arealways welcome to help with trappingferal cats, feral cat kitten re-homing

or generally supporting the work ofthese organizations.

Vaccination

Many of the diseases carried bythe domestic cat can be fatal in thewildcat because they have no natural

immunity to them and can not betreated. Inoculating your cat can helpto reduce the spread of potentiallyfatal diseases. More information onthese issues can be obtained fromyour vet, Cats Protection or theSSPCA.

3

Report wildcat sightingsThe more inormation we have about where the Scottish wildcat is, and its

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behaviour, the more we can do to help conserve them. I you see a wildcatyou can report this online at www.highlandtiger.com or to your local SNHofce (www.snh.gov.uk).

Useul inormation that you could provide is:

Location o the sightings. What it was doing. The date and time o day it was seen. The type o habitat in which it was seen. Ideally a photograph!

Reducing the number of road casualties

Sadly, one o the most common places to see wildlie in Scotland is whenit is lying dead at the side o the road. Wildlie in general is particularlyvulnerable to road accidents during the winter months when it is darkerand more difcult or drivers to see animals crossing the roads.

I you do see a wildcat lying at the side o the road, please contact your local

SNH ofce with details o the location. Carcasses can provide us with a loto useul inormation and location details are always welcome.

Report any illegal activities

The Scottish wildcat is protected by law. However, i you see anythingsuspicious, or anything you think could harm a wildcat, please contact your

local SNH ofce or wildlie crime ofcer.

4

Wildcat paw prints in mud.

5

Wildcats are always alert and

watchful for any signs of danger.

5

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Wildcats and the Law

This section is intended only as a guide to the law For urther inormation

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This section is intended only as a guide to the law. For urther inormation,please reer to complete copies o the relevant legislation.

Internationally, the Scottish wildcat is classifed as Vulnerable, meaning thatit is at risk o extinction unless action is taken to conserve it. It is a EuropeanProtected Species (EPS) and receives protection through inclusion onSchedule 2 o the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994that transposes the EU Habitats Directive into UK law. It was ormerly listedon Schedule 5 or protection under the Wildlie & Countryside Act 1981, butwas removed rom this domestic legislation through an amendment to theConservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations in Scotland in 2007.

The ollowing provides a brie summary o the provisions o this legislation,under which it is an oence to:

deliberately or recklessly capture, kill or injure a wildcat; deliberately or recklessly harass a wildcat; disturb a wildcat in a structure or place it uses or shelter or protection; disturb a wildcat whilst rearing or caring or its young; obstruct access to a wildcats breeding site or resting place or deny its use

o such a place;

damage or destroy breeding sites or resting places o a wildcat; disturb a wildcat in such a manner that is, or in circumstances which are,likely to signifcantly aect the local distribution or abundance o thespecies; or

impair a wildcats ability to survive, breed or reproduce, or rear or otherwisecare or its young.

1

The Scottish wildcat is classifed

as vunerable and eort is

required to help conserve it or

the uture.

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The Scottish wildcat was added tothe Scottish Biodiversity List in 2005as a species of principal importancefor biodiversity conservation. In

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2007, the Scottish wildcat was alsoadded to the revised UK BiodiversityAction Plan (BAP) list of Priority

Species for priority for conservationaction at a UK level. It is on theSNH Species Action Framework asa species for conservation action,which includes steps taken to clarifytheir distribution and reduce thethreat of hybridization with feral/domestic cats.

The Scottish wildcat is also listedon Appendix II of the Convention onInternational Trade in EndangeredSpecies of Wild Fauna and Flora(CITES) through which trade iscarefully controlled and may require apermit in order to protect the survivalof these species.

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Centuries of woodland clearance

and more recently persecution,

have pushed the wildcat to its

current, precarious position.

Names

Scottish names or the wildcat are will cat (two words) or wullcat (one word).The gaelic or wildcat is cat fadhaich.

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g

3

U f l b it

Finding out more

F th di

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Useful websites

Scottish Natural Heritage species page

www.snh.gov.uk/about-scotlands-nature/species/

Highland Tiger Project websitewww.highlandtiger.com

Scottish Wildcat Associationwww.scottishwildcats.co.uk

Mammal Societywww.mammal.org.uk

Further reading

A natural history o beasts, birds, & fshes, or, Stories o

animated nature. Aikman, J. (1843) Edinburgh: Nelson.

Wild-living cats in Scotland. Balharry, D. & Daniels, M.J.(1998) SNH, Edinburgh. SNH Research, Survey andMonitoring report No. 23.

The distribution o Scottish wildcats (Felis silvestris) inScotland (20062008). Davis, A.R. & Gray, D. (2010)Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned ReportNo. 360.

A review o British mammals: population estimatesand conservation status o British mammals other thancetaceans. Harris, S., Morris, P., Wray, S. & Yalden,D. (1995) Joint Nature Conservancy Committee,Peterborough.

The Wildcat, The Mammal Society. Kitchener, A. C.(1995)

A Scottish Bestiary: the Lore and Literature o ScottishBeasts. Thompson, F.G. (1978) The Molendinar Press:Glasgow.

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Wildcats have powerful

retractable claws used

in hunting and climbing.

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SCOTTISHWILDCATS

Scottish wildcats

Naturally Scottish

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SCOTTISHNATURALHERITAGE

NATURALLYSCOTTISH

Price 7.95

www.snh.gov.uk

ISBN 978 1 85397 683 4A CIP record is held at the British Library.

About the author

Kerry Kilshaw works for the Wildlife ConservationResearch Unit, part of the Zoology Department at theUniversity of Oxford. She has carried out research onsmall carnivores for almost ten years and has beenfocusing her research on the Scottish wildcat for thepast three years.