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Rare wildcats born in Scotland
wildcat kitten
One of the young wildcats born at Highland Wildlife Park.

Conservationists race to save the species
 
A trio of critically endangered Scottish wildcat kittens have been born at the RZSS Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland, offering a glimmer of hope for the species.

Scottish wildcats, also known as Highland tigers, are incredibly rare and elusive. They are thought to be one of the rarest cats in the world, facing extinction due to hybridisation with domestic and feral cats, as well as habitat loss and persecution.

In a bid to help save the species, a conservation breeding programme is being undertaken by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

The new kittens were born at the park in April but spent their first two months of life tucked away in their den with mother Betidh. More recently, they have begun to wander outside and explore their territory.

Commenting on the new arrivals, David Barclay, RZSS cat conservation project officer, said "important genes from these new arrivals may one day be represented in released cats roaming the wilds of Scotland."

The efforts of RZSS form part of Scottish Wildcat Action - a collaboration of more than 20 organisations who are working to protect the remaining wild population, whilst reducing the threats facing the species. This includes extensive neutering of feral and hybrid cats to prevent further hybridisation.

Image ©Alex Riddell/RZSS

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.