Scottish Wildcat (Felis sylvestris grampia)

Scottish Wildcat

UK History

The Scottish wildcat evolved as sub-species in Britain from a population of European Wildcats that was isolated at the end of the last ice age, 9000 years ago. Scottish wildcats are larger and more heavily camouflaged than their European counterparts but have faced a similar history of decline mainly as a result of hunting, persecution and habitat loss (deforestation). Persecution reached a peak in the Victorian era with the advent of sporting estates and the species was gradually eradicated from England and Wales with just a small population remaining in remote areas of the Scottish Highlands.

UK Status

Britain In 2004, a team of scientists attached to WildCRU (Wildlife Conservation Research Unit) and the National Museums of Scotland estimated that as few as 400 wildcats remained. A previously quoted population of around 5,000 is now believed to be attributable to feral domestic cats or hybrid mixes of domestic and wildcat.

Global Status

The European Wildcat of which the Scottish Wildcat is a sub-species have a fragmented distribution across Europe that includes, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia as well as Northern Asia and the Middle East. Their status in mainland Europe is difficult to assess and is poorly documented. It is likely that many populations contain large numbers of hybrids.

Biology

Scottish wildcats are 50 per cent larger than the average domestic cat, with males typically weighing 6-8kg. The feed chiefly on rabbits as well as rodents, hares, and birds.

They breed between January and March, giving birth to a litter of up to 8 (typically 3-4) kittens in May. Kittens usually disperse from the female after 4 to 5 months but it can be up to 10 months. Females are sexually mature after 10 to 12 months and males after 9 to 10 months. Females usually breed once a year. On average wildcats live for around 6 years in the wild, but up to 15 years in captivity

Wildcats can also mate with domestic (feral) cats creating fertile "hybrid" offspring.

Issues with humans

Historically blamed for predating game birds, Scottish wildcats were persecuted throughout the Victorian era, a legacy that lives on today on a minority of sporting estates and still accounts for a number of deaths. Indeed, studies suggest human-caused mortality (snares, roads, illegal shooting) accounts for up to 92% of deaths. Widespread and large-scale deforestation has caused populations to become fragmented and isolated making it more difficult for the species to stage any serious population recovery. Human population expansion similarly forced the wildcat to seek out areas well away from human disturbance and the threat of persecution.

Future Outlook

Britain In 2004, a team of scientists attached to WildCRU (Wildlife Conservation Research Unit) and the National Museums of Scotland estimated that as few as 400 wildcats remained. A previously quoted population of around 5,000 is now believed to be attributable to feral domestic cats or hybrid mixes of domestic and wildcat.

Further Information

www.scottishwildcats.co.uk

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