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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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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.