Rural Community Gateway

The Scottish Wildcat used to be found throughout the UK, but since Victorian times, it has only survived in Scotland. The wildcat is a secretive and mostly solitary animal, only socialising to breed and raise kittens. The animal is under threat due to loss of habitat and interbreeding with domestic and feral cats.

Minister for the Environment Michael Russell said, "The elusive wildcat is one of our most exciting and charismatic species, but also one of our most threatened. The last survey, conducted in the Eighties, suggested very low population densities in parts of the country where you could expect to find the animals.

"In order to ensure that future generations can enjoy this wonderful native animal we need an up-to-date and comprehensive picture its distribution, trends and threats.

"People in the countryside, whether working there or simply out for a walk, now have a chance to participate in important conservation work. I would encourage anyone who some into contact with a wildcat or suspected wildcat in the countryside to record the details and report the encounter to the Scottish Wildcat Survey."

The Scottish Wildcat has been listed in Scottish Natural Heritage’s Species Action Framework for conservation effort over the next five years to improve its habitat and reduce threats of interbreeding with feral domestic cats. The survey is being coordinated on behalf of SNH by Adrian Davis of Naiad Environmental Consultancy.

What can you do?

You will find more details about the survey and how to participate on the Scottish Wildcat Survey website. You can submit information about your sightings using their online questionnaire. You can also request hard copies of the questionnaire by getting in touch with Adrian Davis at the contact details below.

Any photographs or videos of sightings would be extremely useful and you can send these in with your questionnaire. If you are unable to give information about specific animals, general information about cat sightings would be also be useful to the survey.

Dead and live cats are relevant to the survey, and they are also interested in obtaining carcasses of dead wild-living cats (more details on the website) and about animals accidentally killed during legal predator control activities.

You can also send details of sightings and information for the survey to:
Adrian Davis
Naiad Environmental Consultancy
Birnam Guest House
4 Murthly Terrace
Birnam, Dunkeld
PH8 0BG

You can contact Adrian Davis at naiadecology@hotmail.co.uk or on 01350 727 201.

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