Highland Tiger - the Scottish Wildcat

Fabulous Link Lai, and to think these little cats are on our doorstep in the UK and are nearing extinction!

SM

I was hoping one of you would do the Scottish Wildcat, I was going to do it myself but I thought I'll bet Lai does it. Its a fascinating subject. Thanks for putting it on the Forum
Lai
WS

Am i getting too predictable WS ???

Lai

Lai thank you for posting that on site. It's an incredible read packed with information, I loved reading through all the cat facts.
One thing they are after doing is highlighting the plight of these wonderful cats, posting it on the forum will hopefully help their cause, it's another way of spreading awareness.
I do like the look of them and they sound as if they have determined characters, they are obviously the heavy mob of the little cat breed.

littlewid-x-

An update from the Wildcat blog

http://www.highlandtiger.com/wildcat_blog.asp

Lai

Thanks for the nudge Lai.

SM

Thanks for the update link Lai. Isn't it amazing how their article for the scottish Wild cat really took off, it was a mega hit wasn't it and i'm sure loads are going to be following it permanently now......i'm going to be one of them!.

littlewid-x-

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Now I'd like to say I snuck behind this Scottish Tiger whilst it was snooping round my chickens.Truth is it's part of a captive breeding program at the Highland Wildlife Park,run by Edinburgh zoo.It was taken last year when they raised some young.

This one was a little camera shy TB. Its good though the way you can see the strips on the back of the head that held identify it from a domestic tabby. I think thats what I read anyway.

I support breeding programs of endangered species even though I do have reservations about Zoos.

Thanks TB for the photo.

SM

I was aiming at it's face but the little rascal turned it's head and then vanished.The park at Kingussie is used for breeding of many endangered animals,including European Bison.It was in the news recently as a large enclosure has been made for a Polar Bear that used to live in a zoo.

Sounds like his determined character coming through Tigerburnie....the picture was going to be taken on his terms.....I love cats with characters.

littlewid-x-

Hi TB
Nice Cat shame about the face Do you know if they will be releasing any of the breeding programe into the wild
WS

My understanding is that they are for releasing,but there are problems in that the gene pool is being affected by hybridisation with peoples domestic pets.This is the biggest threat to their survival,though they are still killed illegally on some estates.

I suppose it's inevitable that there will be some hybridisation, but it's a dam shame that some are still being killed. Thanks for the info TB
WS

Highland tiger - the Scottish wildcat - June update

23 June 2010 : Neutering feral cats in the Cairngorms National Park
Apologies for the lack of updating lately! I've been very busy recently with unspectacular administrative work, but there have also been some positive Project developments in the past month or so. I had a very productive meeting with enthusiastic representatives from all the Cats Protection volunteer branches which cover the Cairngorms National Park to discuss how best to intensify and expand the Trap Neuter & Return (TNR) of feral cats around settlements and farms in the Cairngorms National Park. This work should help a great deal in reducing the likelihood of feral cats and wildcats interbreeding and producing hybrid offspring. Feral cats taken in for neutering also get screened for potential fatal diseases such as feline leukaemia virus, so by intensifying TNR we may also help to reduce the prevalence of diseases which could seriously harm wildcats. The return of healthy, neutered cats to farms where they were caught means that they can continue their pest control function in the farm buildings without putting at risk the endangered wildcat population in the surrounding countryside. One of the things that was clear from the meeting we had, is that more volunteers will be required to assist with the TNR work so that it can be targetted at areas where wildcats are most at risk. So if you're interested in lending a hand with this, and gaining some valuable wildlife management experience at the same time, then watch this space for further details on how you can apply to be a volunteer.

Lai

Thanks for posting the update Lai. Its great the way allof the organisations are working together to help stem a simple problem of the Wildcat and Ferral cats interbreeding. I hope it is successful and they get plenty of support.

SM

Thanks for the update Lai, its good to know that such a programme is going ahead, its good for the wild cat and also the ferral cats, some hybrids are definiately not a good mix, so its good on that account as well and also it will save the spread of disease and stop the ferral cats from suffering, so i'm all for it on all accounts and if I lived nearer I would surely volunteer, it would be a worthwhile way of spending some of your annual leave for sure.
Wonder if Doogs and Tigerburnie live near enough to volunteer?

littlewid-x-

Gorgeous photo Doogs - how wonderful to have seen one.

Lai

What a fabulous photo Doogs. What lovely eyes!

Thank for posting.

SM

Fantastic pic Doogs thanks for letting us see it, and a really good update thanks Lai. Tigerburnie was saying elsewhere on the forum. That it is quite a problem the cross breeding with the Wild Cats, and it puts them in danger. Lets hope this treatment programe helps
WS