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Wildcat project prepares for breeding season
Saving Wildcats released 19 wildcats into the wild last year.
New pairs have been created to increase genetic diversity.

Sixteen wildcats have been paired up at a Scottish Zoo as the Saving Wildcats conservation project prepares for its third breeding season.

If all goes to plan, it is hoped the wildcats born this year will be released into the wild next summer to help boost the population of the critically endangered species.

The team at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS’s) Highland Wildlife Park have put together two new breeding pairs. They hope that the move will help increase the genetic diversity of the wild population as it grows.

The wildcats born at the zoo last year are currently in pre-release enclosures which are designed to support their development and prepare them for release into the wild. The project plans to release them in the Cairngorms National Park this summer. In June 2023, 19 were released.

The only native cat still living in the wild in Britain, the wild population has been at risk from interbreeding with feral cats in recent decades. Surveys conducted between 2010 and 2013 estimated that there were between 115 and 314 individuals left.

Estelle Morgan, Saving Wildcats senior keeper, said: “Managing the wildcats from their birth until their eventual release into the wild is incredibly rewarding. We get to see the wildcats grow and help them prepare for the challenges of life in the wild, using tools which minimise disturbance, to give them the best possible chances of survival.” 

David Barclay, Saving Wildcats conservation manager, added: “The birth of kittens in the centre highlights another critical milestone for our expert keeper team whilst demonstrating how integral zoos are in restoring many threatened species. Without a carefully managed captive breeding population, we would not have been able to conduct the first ever releases of wildcats into Britain last year.”

Led by the RZSS, the Saving Wildcats project is carried out in collaboration with NatureScot, Forestry and Land Scotland, The Cairngorms National Park Authority, Norden’s  Ark, Consejería de Sostenibilidad, and Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul de la Junta de Andalucía, with releases conducted in collaboration with Cairngorms Connect.

Image © Shutterstock

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Central Qualifications to attend BVNA Congress

News Story 1
 Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications." 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.