A look back at 2024 for Saving Wildcats

Saving Wildcats has a lot to, tentatively, celebrate following 2024. We saw unparalleled survival of wildcats that were released in summer 2023, with only one sadly dying due to an infection. Although two males have been unaccounted for since March 2024, this survival rate is amazing for a restoration project like this and has vastly exceeded our expectations.  

In spring we saw seven of the released females produce kittens, with two surprising us with a second litter - a sign that the wildcats are thriving! Monitoring the progress of these kittens has been somewhat tricky for the field team, having to use camera traps as they are too small for GPS-radio collars. However, before they dispersed from their mothers, we were able to trap and conduct health checks on four of the 24 born in the wild, and all were strong and healthy. Sadly, we do know that one of the 24 was killed after being hit by a car. Vehicle collisions are a significant risk for all the wildcats, and other wildlife in the local area.

Whilst there have been a lot of successes there have also been challenges and it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Many will be aware of the incidents of chicken predation that have occurred, with several of the released wildcats finding an easy food supply, eating chickens in peoples’ back gardens, as well as at a couple of farms. We understand this can be upsetting for the owners and was possibly not something people expected the wildcats to do.

Subsequently, we have offered small-scale affected holders the opportunity to take part in a funded trial of movable chicken coops that can house four to five birds. These coops should protect them from all predators. Additionally, we are also working with affected local farmers.

A few of the wildcats have set up territories on sporting estates, neighbouring the release area, where pheasants and partridges are released. Again, another ready food source for predators and some of the nicest habitat in the surrounding area. This has caused some issues for the estates, especially those with small syndicate shoots that release fewer birds and are focused on bringing people together as a community. In the two years of releases, there have been three incidents of wildcats finding their way into pheasant pens, in the short days or weeks when the birds are kept in them. This can cause the birds stress and can significantly impact the shoot. For two of the cases, these weren’t dealt with as promptly or effectively as everyone, both the affected parties and project team, would have liked or expected.

This is a learning process, and we are endeavouring to ensure any future incidents are managed more effectively. We are working with NatureScot to provide detailed, clear guidance for all, to help assist when these matters arise.

Saving Wildcats is trying to ensure we don’t lose a species that is so very entwined in local cultural history and should be a part of our landscape and ecosystems for generations to come.  

Louise Hughes

Saving Wildcats Fieldwork Operations Manager