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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th June 2013
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Scottish wildcats arrive at Edinburgh Zoo

Quartet of rare felines settle into their new enclosure

Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed four Scottish wildcats – one of Britain's rarest mammals – to its animal inventory.

The quartet arrived at the zoo a few months ago from the Highland Wildlife Park, both part of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

Listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the Scottish wildcats will remain part of RZSS's conservation project at the zoo.

The three male cats – Leven, Lomond and Linnhe – and one female – Lochy – have settled into their new home well, and are normally found hanging around the treetops of their enclosure.

While they may seem similar to a pet cat, Scottish wildcats have a more wide, flat head and a bushy tail with dark rings around it. There are also differences in their genetics and blood type.

It is thought that there are as little as 400 of these wildcats left, making them more rare than the Amur tiger.

Image courtesy of RZSS

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.