LICENCE applications have been approved to release Scottish wildcats in the Cairngorms National Park later this year.
The scheme marks the first-ever conservation translocation of wildcats in Britain, as part of NatureScot’s partnership with Saving Wildcats.
This will be the first in a series of trial releases being planned to help restore Scotland’s critically endangered wildcat population.
The application from Saving Wildcats was submitted in September 2022 and assessed in line with the Scottish Code for Conservation Translocations.
The process considers a range of issues including animal welfare, site suitability and potential impacts on neighbouring and community interests.
Releasing wildcats in the vast landscape of Cairngorms Connect will be an important first step in helping to re-establish the species in Scotland.
The trial will achieve a range of benefits for both people and nature in the Cairngorms National Park.
There are, however, risks and challenges associated with the translocation of a predator species to the area, and success will rely on support from local communities.
NatureScot’s Head of Biodiversity Dr Katherine Leys said:
“Habitat loss, persecution and hybridisation with domestic cats has brought the Scottish wildcat population to the brink of extinction.
“The Saving Wildcats partnership has been a lifeline for the species and marks a crucial point in the long journey towards conserving this iconic species.
“Our decision to allow wildcats to be released in the Highlands of Scotland marks a crucial point in the long journey towards conserving this iconic species.
“This journey is not without difficulty, and we know that there are more hurdles to overcome before we reach the point where we are ready to release the wildcats.
“It’s crucial the project continues to work with local communities, farmers, land-owners and cat owners to ensure wildcats are given the best chance to survive and thrive.
Saving Wildcats project lead and RZSS Head of Conservation Dr Helen Senn said:
“It is fantastic to reach this milestone and press ahead with planning for trial wildcat releases in the Cairngorms over the summer.
“We will be able to move wildcats under license from pre-release enclosures at Highland Wildlife Park to carefully selected areas in the Cairngorms Connect landscape.
“[This will] provide a suitable mix of habitats and potential prey for the species.
“After release, the wildcats will be monitored using GPS collars as they face the many challenges of life in the wild.
“The fight to restore Scotland’s wildcat populations is just beginning and we are grateful to everyone providing expertise and support along the way.”
Saving Wildcats is one of the largest species conservation projects in Britain and it is supported by both national and international experts.
Cairngorms Connect is a partnership of neighbouring land managers (Wildland Limited, Forestry and Land Scotland, RSPB Scotland and NatureScot).
They are working towards a 200-year vision to enhance habitat, species and ecological process across a vast 600 square kilometre area within the Cairngorms National Park.
It is funded by the Endangered Landscapes Programme, and is the largest habitat restoration project in the UK.
