South West Wildcat Project

The wildcat or European wildcat (Felis silvestris) to give its full name, is Britain’s only remaining wild native cat. It is a separate species to domestic or feral cats (Felis catus) which are descended from African wildcat (Felis lybica). It was also known as woodcat in England, reflecting its association with woodland habitats.

They are a small cat. Generally, they will not be much bigger than a domestic cat though can be up to 25% bigger. They are stockier with longer legs.

Once widespread across Britain, by the 1870s wildcats had largely been lost from England and Wales but clung on in remote areas of Scotland which is why it is often referred to as the Scottish wildcat. Intriguingly, there are records that wildcats were present on Exmoor as late as the 1920s. This is hard to prove but could mean that the South West was one of its last refuges in England.  

Wildcats underwent rapid declines through the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. They were hunted as they were thought to compete for species which humans ate or killed for sport – for example rabbits and game birds. This combined with the loss and fragmentation of wooded habitats, which reached an all-time low in the late 1800’s, spelled the end for wildcats. Today they cling on in parts of northern Scotland, where the remaining wildcats are subject to critical conservation action.

Unfortunately, Scotland's wildcat population is critically endangered. With low numbers and fragmented populations, they have struggled to find other wildcats to breed with. Where once it was persecution and habitat loss, today the main threat comes from 'genetic extinction' caused by interbreeding with domestic or feral cats. Although wildcats are a separate species they can breed with domestic cats and produce fertile young (hybrids). This has resulted in the Scottish population consisting of mainly hybrids. The long-term solution to avoid the extinction of the species is to ensure new populations are reintroduced, and in time connected once again.

Saving Wildcats is a project dedicated to saving wildcats in Scotland. It has been recognised that the remaining Scottish wildcat population needs urgent help to avoid extinction. In 2023, 20 captive bred wildcats were released in the Cairngorms Connect landscape. Further releases are planned, and released animals are being carefully monitored.

The wildcat has the unenviable distinction of being the UK's rarest and most threatened mammal. It has been recognised that to secure a bright future for the species, conservation action is needed to maintain the existing Scottish population but to also explore if further populations can be established within its former UK range.  With no chance of natural population expansion, reintroduction is the only way this can be done. In 2019, a preliminary assessment of the biological feasibility of reintroducing wildcats to England and Wales by the Vincent Wildlife Trust and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, identified parts of Wales and the South West of England as the most suitable places to investigate further. DWT along with its partners, are now exploring in more detail if a wildcat reintroduction is possible in South West England. Any reintroduction of wildcats to Devon will be part of a National Strategy to save the species and will be undertaken following the IUCN guidelines for reintroductions. It is important wildcat projects across the UK work together to save the species.

During the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, wildcats underwent huge population declines. This was due to loss and fragmentation of woodland habitats, combined with hunting and predator control. Woodland cover is currently back to similar levels as in the 11^th century, and although in the South West cover may be lower than some parts of England, there is good connectivity via the extensive network of dense hedges. In addition, the mixed landscape so typical of the South West contains many habitats favoured by wildcat, for example rough pasture and extensive riparian habitats along steep combes and valleys.

Attitudes to wildlife and its protection have also changed in the last 150 years. There is growing support for lost species returning to our countryside, and legislation means wildcats are now a protected species. Despite these positives, species reintroductions are complex and there are many factors which need to be considered to ensure success. It can't be assumed that because Devon's countryside once supported wildcats then it can do so again which is why the feasibility assessment is so crucial.

Wildcats are predominantly small mammal hunters. Their diet is dominated by rodents, such as voles and mice, and rabbits where present. A much less significant portion of their prey includes birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects.

Alongside broadleaved and mixed woodland habitats, wildcats require more open habitats that support high numbers of their favourite small mammal prey. Woods are important for providing cover and den sites while low intensity grasslands and scrub habitat mosaics create great hunting habitat. Wildcats do best in complex mixed landscapes that can include low intensity farmland. They avoid people and human habitation. They live at very low densities and are dependent on prey availability.

Wildcats are Britain’s rarest mammal and is a species on the verge of extinction – they are part of our struggling wildlife!  Wildcats evolved alongside other native British wildlife including their prey and they should be part of our ecosystem. Wildcats eat fresh meat (may take fresh carrion if times are tough) and do not supplement their diet with non-meat food or food they cache. They are reliant on widespread and locally common prey and live at very low densities (3-5 wildcats per 10km2). With predator numbers limited by the amount of prey available, as a true carnivore this will be particularly relevant to wildcats.  Wildcats hunt to eat and adults do not display the playing with prey seen in adult domestic cats.

Current understanding suggests the impact of wildcat on South West wildlife will be minimal, but this will be fully explored during the feasibility phase.

Wildcats mainly prey on small mammals including, mice, voles and rabbits. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects make up a smaller part of their diet. They hunt mainly by sound and spend a lot of time waiting to pounce. Although they can climb it is not usually for hunting, rather seeking safety. They are reliant on widespread and locally abundant prey. This means they should have little impact on rare species which are struggling usually because of problems such as habitat loss or inappropriate habitat management rather than predation.

An assessment of any potential conflicts with other species will be undertaken as part of the feasibility.    

Wildcats are a distinct species from domestic cats or feral cats. Their ecological function is quite different, they live solitary lives at low densities, and they have evolved to live alongside local wildlife. In contrast, domestic cats have wider diet and habitat niches and their relationship with humans has supported them to live at high densities where their impact on local wildlife can be a concern. The threat of hybridisation between these two species needs to be explored carefully and mitigated against. Responsible cat ownership, such as neutering, can contribute positively to wildcat conservation.

This is something that the feasibility project will be investigating. Research shows that wildcats prefer landscapes with a mosaic of broadleaved woodland, rough grassland and scrub. This mix can support high numbers of voles, rabbits and mice to hunt, and lots of places in which to make their dens (dens are usually found in tree hollows, under tree roots, or in old holes made by badgers, foxes or rabbits). By contrast, areas with high human and domestic cat populations are avoided by wildcats, along with places containing roads and high traffic volumes.

If all aspects of the feasibility programme demonstrate wildcats can be reintroduced, the first releases will not be before 2026.

A reintroduction needs to establish a population of 40-50 animals. Wildcats are mainly solitary animals, are territorial and live at low densities. This would mean reintroducing the cats at several sites dispersed across the best locations. The feasibility project will investigate what reintroduction programme would involve the greatest chance of success.

A wildcat captive breeding programme is established across Britain with the studbook managed by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. These are wildcats which are of native wildcat descent. Cats will be selected from this cohort which will be brought to dedicated breeding enclosures – it will be their offspring that may be released if a reintroduction goes ahead. It has been identified that including animals from continental collections could help improve genetic diversity and this is being considered.

Despite being different species, wildcats can breed with domestic cats and produce fertile young. Interbreeding between hybrids and backcrossing with parent types produce what is known as a hybrid swarm – this results in loss of parent characteristics and genetics.  This is a serious problem which has resulted in wildcats in Scotland becoming functionally extinct.

Evidence from wildcats across Europe reveals that you can have thriving wildcat populations in proximity to domestic cats. Hybridisation becomes an issue when wildcats cannot easily find wildcat mates because of low numbers and fragmented populations, which may be linked to poor habitat quality or persecution.

Any reintroduction will need to take this threat seriously. A key aim will be to minimise contact with fertile domestic cats as well as ensuring enough wildcats are released in suitable habitat. Preliminary surveys to investigate numbers of domestic cats in potential wildcat habitat in Devon are encouraging. Cat welfare charities already promote responsible cat ownership that includes neutering and runs Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter and Release programmes for feral cats. Understanding the work already taking place and building on this if needed within key areas will be necessary as part of a planned reintroduction.

The situation with feral cats is complex and is a potentially emotive subject. The project will work through existing protocols operated by cat welfare charities.  The main objective of this work will be to reduce the chances of wildcats coming into contact with fertile or sick cats. There are no plans to euthanise feral cats as part of a reintroduction programme.

There's no evidence that wildcats pose any threat to sheep or cattle. Wildcats may take chickens, ducks, game birds and rabbits. However, poultry, gamebirds and pets protected from predators, such as foxes and badgers, will also be protected against wildcats. No special deterrent is required.

No. Wildcats avoid contact with people whenever they can. They are shy and elusive creatures, mostly active by night. You'll be very lucky to see one, even if you live close to one of the release sites.

Wildcats would be protected by the same wildlife laws which protect many of our other native animals. Among a range of legal protections, this would mean it will be a crime to 'deliberately or recklessly... capture, injure, kill or harass a wildcat... disturb a wildcat while it is rearing, or otherwise caring for, its young... disturb a wildcat in a manner or in circumstances likely to significantly affect the local distribution or abundance of the species'. After any release of wildcats, the project would continue to monitor the progress and welfare of the animals.

We've led or been part of many species reintroduction and recovery projects including southern damselflies, freshwater pearl mussels and narrow-headed ants. DWT's work has seen us planting thousands of trees lost to ash dieback and bringing back wildflowers to thousands of hectares of grasslands and meadows. However, its often the return of species such as beavers, pine martens and wildcats which grab the media's attention!

The 2023 State of Nature report revealed that one in six species studied in the UK is under threat of extinction. We dedicate the vast majority of our resources to ensure these threatened species and the habitats they rely on have a brighter future. However, we know our ecosystems are suffering and are out of balance – and the return of recently lost species will help nature’s revival.

It's no longer enough to try and cling on to the wildlife populations we have left - we need to bring back species too.

Feasibility work is underway and will focus on:

• Identifying if there is sufficient and connected habitat with good prey availability.
• Identifying and mitigating potential risks - for example hybridisation with feral/domestic cats; impacts on other species; risks to released animals.
• Ensuring a suitable source population is available and donor population is not adversely affected.
• Understanding, recognising, and addressing public feedback.
• Developing a potential release strategy.

The feasibility will be reported by the end of 2024 with clear options for next steps.

Reintroductions are a delicate process. The welfare of the animals is vital, as are the views of communities where reintroduction is proposed.  However, one day wildcats could be a flagship species for woodland wildlife, and once again roam South West England and inspire future generations to act for nature.

As part of the feasibility, a Disease Risk Assessment will be undertaken by a competent body to assess any risks.  

Promotion of responsible cat ownership, to include vaccination of key cat diseases that could impact wildcats, would be part of any release project. Any wildcats that formed part of the project would have a full health screen prior to release.

If a reintroduction does go ahead, any wildcats released will undergo a full health check and will be vaccinated against a range of appropriate diseases (as determined by Disease Risk Assessment). Post-release monitoring of individuals will be implemented through radio/GPS tracking. Genetic monitoring to ensure integrity of species is retained will be established. Monitoring methods deployed will learn from existing experience elsewhere, for example the Scottish wildcat conservation programme (Saving Wildcats).