400 and counting!

Help save the forgotten cat

Tooth & Claw is spear-heading a range of educational media projects to help bring the endangered Scottish wildcat back into the public limelight. With potentially as few as 400 pure-bred wildcats left in Britain, time is running out for this charismatic feline that for so long has been enmeshed in Scotland's cultural heritage. Tooth & Claw aims to highlight the perilous state of the Scottish wildcat through a coordinated multi-media campaign in a quest to save the forgotten cat.

Wildcat Hero

  • The Scottish wildcat is Britain’s only surviving native cat.
  • Historical persecution and habitat loss resulted in a major decline in their population during the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • Their plight is further threatened by interbreeding with feral and domestic cats, which dilutes their genetic purity.
  • Scottish wildcats are now in serious danger of extinction and need your help.

To purchase a spectacular A2 poster of this iconic photograph please visit the Store »

See More Wildcat images »

 

How can you help?

• Take part in the The Scottish Wildcat Survey

• Exercise responsible cat ownership in Scotland's rural areas. Find out More »

The Scottish Wildcat Survey 2008

 Have you seen a wildcat?

If yes, you can help by reporting your sighting to The Scottish Wildcat Survey. All sightings are invaluable in helping to determine the current status of wildcats in Scotland. This will then enable suitable management action to be targeted in specific areas.

Please contact Adrian Davis on 01350 727201 or

Sightings can also be reported online here

Distinguishing Wildcats - a pictorial guide to the key coat markings »

Useful for field workers, land managers and gamekeepers to help positively identify a genuine Scottish Wildcat.

Species Action Framework

The Scottish Wildcat has been identified in Scotland's Species Action Framework (SAF) as a species requiring targeted management action to improve prospects for its future survival as a distinct native species.

Visit the SAF website here.

19/02/2008 : Scottish Wildcat Survey Launched


The 2008-2009 Scottish Wildcat Survey was officially launched by Environment Minister Michael Russell  who said, "The elusive wildcat is one of our most exciting and charismatic species, but also one of our most threatened. In order to ensure that future generations can enjoy this wonderful native animal we need an up-to-date and comprehensive picture of its distribution, trends and threats. "I would encourage anyone who comes into contact with a wildcat or suspected wildcat in the countryside to record the details and report the encounter to the Scottish Wildcat Survey."