Scottish wildcats numbers have dramatically reduced as they are able to mate with domestic cats and so, diluting the pure bred wildcat genes. This problem, along with habitat destruction and disease has now placed the species on the brink of extinction in the wild.
The new sanctuaries rural location means that the likelihood of domestic and wildcats mixing is very slim and all domestic cats, especially the feral individuals is the surrounding areas are being neutered to reduce the chance again.This is the first time feral cats have been controlled in a large area and it is likely that the population with die off in a few years preventing any cross breeding that would be detrimental to the project. The number of wildcats left in the wild is not known and could be as low as 35 which makes this project even more important to the species survival.
Let hope that this new plan allows wildcat numbers to increase and enables the species to be brought back from the brink of extinction in the wild. To help support or donate to this amazing project, please click on the first link below, their website also has loads more information about the area and the work underway.
To read more...
http://www.wildcathaven.co.uk/
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/environment/haven-to-save-the-wildcat-from-total-extinction.24748248
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-28315555
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