![\"Conservationists](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/4f30d9b3abbf5b714a3bfd83c99659f5-1790593792.jpeg\")
Saving WildcatsConservationists say 44 kittens have been born since programme launched Saving Wildcats<\/p>\nA conservation project working to save Scotland\u2019s critically endangered wildcats has reached a major milestone after 50 animals were released into the Highlands.<\/p>\n
Wildcats were once found throughout mainland Britain but were declared functionally extinct in 2019 following centuries of persecution.<\/p>\n
The new Scotland\u2019s Wildcats strategy aims to tackle the biggest threats to the species and identify new areas for safe releases, with the goal of restoring numbers to sustainable levels by 2045.<\/p>\n
The first releases under the Saving Wildcats project took place in summer 2023, with more than 44 kittens since born in the wild.<\/p>\n
The project hopes to bolster the released population by increasing numbers and genetic diversity through further releases, including breeding with Spanish wildcats, which are the closest living genetic relatives of Scotland\u2019s wildcats.<\/p>\n
David Barclay, Saving Wildcats conservation manager, told STV News: \u201cThey\u2019re not just surviving and living out in the wild and hunting and doing what cats do, but they\u2019re reproducing, and that\u2019s a real sign of success for a project like this.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe wildcat is just synonymous with Scotland, especially the Highlands of Scotland. They\u2019re an incredibly important part of the wild ecosystems and the landscapes but also part of our culture. There are many Highland clans that used to use the wildcat as their emblem, so they\u2019re really integrated in our history.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re really passionate and strongly believe that we should give the species the best chance of survival so that future generations can enjoy this incredible species.\u201d<\/p>\n
Saving WildcatsConservationists say 44 kittens have been born since programme launched Saving Wildcats<\/p>\n
Scottish wildcats, sometimes known as Highland tigers, have lived in Scotland for thousands of years.<\/p>\n
Slightly larger than a typical domestic cat, they can be distinguished by their tabby markings and thick, bushy tails with distinctive black rings.<\/p>\n
Genetic extinction, due to hybridisation (interbreeding) with feral and domestic cats, is the main threat to Scotland\u2019s wildcats. They are also at risk from incidental harm from predator control activities, feline disease, road collisions and habitat fragmentation and disturbance.<\/p>\n
Wildcat habitats often overlap with land managed by people. These landscapes provide a mosaic of forest edge, rough grassland, scrubland and riparian areas where dry land meets water. Saving Wildcats works closely with land managers, farmers and local communities to support coexistence between wildcats and the people who live alongside them.<\/p>\n
Eleven deaths have been recorded among released wildcats over the course of three years, with five the result of vehicle collisions. Many of these wildcats survived in the wild for several years and produced litters before their deaths.<\/p>\n
The mortality rate is considered highly successful as rates are often higher in other similar projects.<\/p>\n
GPS collars![\"Wildcats](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/6ab4e198fb8d8deaef47010aae64e478-1790594040.jpg\")
Saving WildcatsWildcats have been fitted with GPS collars Saving Wildcats<\/p>\n
The released cats are closely monitored to establish how they are adapting to life in the wild.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe fit all of the cats that we release with GPS collars so it means that once they\u2019re out in the wild and free living, we can still track them and collect data on their movements and their behaviours,\u201d said David.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a really critical part of the work that we do. We follow what\u2019s called a best-practice approach where we\u2019re really passionate about collecting data, reviewing it and actually sharing that with other projects so we can learn about the work that we do, the challenges and the successes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite their elusive nature, some of the released animals have already been spotted by members of the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople were canoeing down the River Spey and saw one of the release cats swimming across the river, which was incredible and perhaps the first time that\u2019s ever been found,\u201d David said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do hear these incredible stories that people are seeing them despite them being elusive and solitary.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cats are bred and prepared at a dedicated conservation breeding centre at Highland Wildlife Park before being released into the Cairngorms.<\/p>\n
Preparing a wildcat for release takes around 15 months, with human contact deliberately kept to a minimum to prevent the animals becoming accustomed to people.<\/p>\n
Success of wildcat project \u2018rewarding\u2019![\"Charities](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c6f55bc959c4aecc7e4a48a7e1035f44-1790615537.jpg\")
Scottish WildcatsCharities eye expansion for wildcat conservation programme Scottish Wildcats<\/p>\n
Saving Wildcats team leader Estelle Morgan hopes to see the project expanded across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact that we\u2019ve released 50 wild cat is a huge milestone for us,\u201d she said. \u201cI can\u2019t really put into words how much effort everyone has put in to achieve this.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo see them go on and reproduce in the wild and be doing their jobs, doing exactly what they\u2019re supposed to be doing, is the most rewarding thing ever.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really important for us that we don\u2019t habituate the animals to people. We don\u2019t want the animals to be used to us so that when we do release them, they\u2019re not seeking humans for food.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that we are well off the point of wild cats being deemed safe now. I think there\u2019s still quite a lot of work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rural affairs secretary Gillian Martin said: \u201cAs one of our most iconic species, once widespread across Great Britain, this strategy to conserve the wildcat is built on two decades of work that has created legal protection, deeper knowledge about wildcat biology, ecology and the threats they face.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 2023, under the Saving Wildcats partnership, the first round of wildcat releases was completed into the Cairngorms National Park, and 2024 saw the first of what has become multiple wild-born wildcat kittens taking their first tentative steps towards local population recovery.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new strategy builds on these early successes to begin to imagine a nationwide recovery of the species. I would like to thank all of the individuals and partner organisations for their work and dedication to get to this point and look forward to even greater success in the decade to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
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