Wildcat has new friends
A new team to save the Highlands’ tiger – which has a stronghold in Strathspey – has been unveiled.
Dr Roo Campbell is the new project manager based at Scottish Natural Heritage’s Great Glen House in Inverness. He brings with him significant experience of carrying out research on the behaviour and ecology of Scottish wildcats.
He said: “This project is the best chance for survival the Scottish wildcat has ever seen. It is one of the biggest partner-led conservation projects for any native species in Scotland, with more than 20 key organisations involved, and I am delighted to lead such a highly skilled team to take this project forward.”
The initiative also sees four new project officers. Highland Wildlife Park-based Hebe Carus will cover Northern Strathspey and the Angus Glens. The six wildcat priority areas comprise more than 64,000 hectares of wildcat habitat and also include Strathavon in Moray; Strathbogie in Aberdeenshire; Morvern in Lochaber; and Strathpeffer in Easter Ross.
The team were in Inverness earlier this week tackling training on wildcat surveying using trail cameras and recording sightings.
The team will also be making contact with local vets and Cat’s Protection branches to co-ordinate a programme of trapping, neutering, vaccinating and releasing feral cats to ensure they do not cross-breed with wildcats.
Dr Campbell added: “We have five years to stop wildcats from disappearing but we need to improve the fortunes for Scottish wildcats in the long term. That means leaving a legacy by reducing the risks from hybridisation and disease, and the chances of accidental harm from predator control activities.
“Success depends on working with local people to make a difference for the wildcats in their area. Together, we can ensure that the Scottish wildcat survives not just over the next five years but into the future.”