The major conference was the starting point for a wildcat conservation project in the Cairngorms National Park, which is a stronghold for the shy and elusive creature.

There has been a significant decline in the number of Scottish wildcats over the past few decades and it is now one of Britain's most threatened species.

Wildlife experts, land managers, tourism operators, vets and cat welfare groups were amongst those who attended the conference when the topics of discussions included the latest scientific information as well as local and practical knowledge of wildcats and options for their conservation.

The conference was organised by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, the Scottish Gamekeepers' Association (SGA), the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Tooth & Claw and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

Mr Eric Baird, vice-convener of the CNPA and chairman of the conference, said: "The current number of wildcats remains uncertain, but we know the prognosis is not good with some estimates putting the population at a mere 400 individuals left in the wild.

"The biggest threat to the existence of the Scottish wildcat is thought to be hybridisation with feral domestic cats.

"We want to raise awareness of the plight of the Scottish wildcat and explore the implementation of a range of practical conservation actions to save this Scottish icon. We don't have all the answers at this time, but today is an important first step in finding them."

Outdoor lovers in Badenoch and Strathspey are also being asked to keep a sharp eye out for Scottish wildcats as part of a nationwide survey of the rare predators.

The Scottish Wildcat Survey was launched at the Highland Wildlife Park, near Kincraig, earlier in Spring by Scottish Environment Minister Michael Russell.

Mr Allan Hodgson, of the SGA, said that their members were supportive of the new project to save the wildcat and keen to get involved.

He said: "Gamekeepers working on-the-ground are in a position to be able to contribute a great deal from providing information on wildcat sightings to feral cat management.

"We carry out feral cat control as part of our predator management activities and would suggest that keeping feral cat numbers in check contributes to a reduction in hybridisation.

"We could certainly work more closely with members to increase awareness of wildcat identification so there is absolutely no risk to the species."

Neutering feral cats and vaccinating them against disease, as well as the promotion of responsible domestic cat ownership is also on the conference agenda.

The wildcat is closely related genetically to the domestic cat, which is why the two are able to produce fertile hybrids.

Jane Harley, a vet based in the Cairngorms National Park, said: "I think that most people acknowledge that inter-breeding is the biggest risk to wildcats but many won't have considered the serious risk to wildcats from diseases, which can be prevalent in feral cats.

"The feline leukaemia virus, for example, is a highly contagious cat disease which can be vaccinated against. For those domestic cat owners – who would like to play their part in protecting the wildcat – my advice is to have their pet cats neutered and ensure that all vaccinations are up-to-date."

The 2008-2009 survey – the first for 20 years – to try and chart the health and native population of the Scottish wildcat across the country is being led by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Their spokeswoman, Mairi Cole, said: "The Scottish wildcat is one of the species in the Species Action Framework and is under threat from both man-made and environmental pressures.

"SNH is supporting the Scottish Wildcat Survey to gain a better understanding of the distribution and abundance of the species across Scotland but this needs to be supported by practical management and a better awareness of its plight, to help provide the best opportunities for their future. We look forward to working closely with land managers towards this."

Wildcats are secretive – making gauging their numbers very difficult – and thought to be untameable.

They are generally larger than domestic cats and are grey with black stripes. They have distinctive thick tails, with obvious black bands and a blunt, black tip to the end.

The cat lives mainly in and around forests in the Highlands, are solitary, and feed predominantly on rabbits, voles and mice. They were once found throughout Britain but by the end of the 19th century were restricted only to remote parts of the Scottish Highlands.

Dr David Hetherington, Ecology Advisor at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, added: "The habitat and prey availability makes the Cairngorms National Park an important area for the Scottish wildcat.

"However, the wildcat is important for the Cairngorms, too, and people here identify with the species' wild and untameable spirit, which is why it's used as an icon by local clans, villages, groups and businesses.

"We hope that by working in partnership with a range of organisations and the public we can reverse the Scottish wildcat's fortunes."

The Scottish wildcat is the last surviving native member of the cat family to be found in the wild in Britain. A small group of pure-bred wildcats at the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig bred successfully last year, producing seven kittens.

Information on the Scottish Wildcat Survey can be obtained at www.naiadecology.co.uk/wildcatsurv.html

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