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Scottish wildcat interbreeding recent phenomenon, studies find
“It is clear that hybridisation is a result of modern threats common to many of our native species” – Jo Howard-McCombe.
The species mostly avoided domestic cats until about 60 years ago.

Two newly published studies have revealed that European wildcats in Scotland did not begin to significantly interbreed with domestic cats until the mid 20th century.

The researchers, based at universities in the UK and Germany, looked at the genome sequences of 48 modern cats and samples from 258 historic cats found at 85 archaeological sites.

They found that although domestic cats have been living in Britain for more than 2,000 years, until 1956 no individual wildcats in Scotland had more than approximately 5 per cent domestic cat ancestry.

Since then, the proportion of domestic cat ancestry has rapidly increased. In modern individuals, the proportion ranged from 11 per cent to 74 per cent.

However, the research revealed that the captive wildcat population, established in the 1960s, has avoided interbreeding to the same extent, with an average domestic cat ancestry of 18 per cent.

The amount of hybridisation is important for conservationists. Although wildcats are a legally protected species in the UK, the protection does not extend to hybrid cats.

The researchers have suggested that the sudden increase in interbreeding may have been due to the decline in numbers of wildcats meaning they had reduced opportunities to mate with other wildcats.

Jo Howard-McCombe, of the University of Bristol, said: “It is clear that hybridisation is a result of modern threats common to many of our native species.

"Habitat loss and persecution have pushed wildcats to the brink of extinction in Britain.

"It is fascinating that we can use genetic data to look back at their population history, and use what we have learnt to protect Scottish wildcats.”

The two studies have been published in Current Biology.

Image © Shutterstock

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.