There are plans to reintroduce the critically endangered Scottish Wildcat to other parts of the country. The Scottish Wildcat could be reintroduced to other parts of Scotland and England in an effort to save the endangered animal. Currently, Scottish Wildcats can only be found in parts of the Scottish Highlands. They are now only found in forest areas of the Scottish highlands; where once they were found all over the British Isles.
The History Of The Scottish Wildcat
The Scottish Wildcat once roamed all over the British Isles. They were found in Scotland, England and Wales. However, extensive hunting of the animal, particularly during the Victorian Era, gradually reduced the numbers of these animals. They became extinct in Southern England in the 16th century and they became extinct in Northern England during the latter half of the Victorian Era (the 19th century). They also became extinct in Wales and throughout most of Scotland.
Today they remain extinct in most of Scotland, but that could change. A reintroduction of the Scottish Wildcat in places such as Galloway, where there is a planned reintroduction program for the Scottish Wildcat, could see their numbers boost. Similarly, the animals could be introduced again to places in England. There are plans to bring back the Scottish Wildcat to Cumbria and Northumberland.
If these plans are successful, it could revive a species on the brink of extinction. As it stands, the Scottish Wildcat is on the brink of extinction.
The Scottish Wildcat On The Brink Of Extinction
Today there is thought to be as little as 35 Scottish Wildcats remaining in the wild. This classes this animal as critically endangered, one step before extinction. Wild animal and plant species are ranked to show their conservation status. This helps wildlife conservationists monitor and understand wild animal and plant species. It can also tell wildlife conservationists which animals are endangered and which animals are close to extinction. This ranking system of wild animals (and plants) is known as the IUCN list.
Here is the IUCN list:
1) Least Concern - Species of least concern. 2) Near Threatened - Heading towards becoming endangered. 3) Vulnerable - Vulnerable to becoming endangered/extinct. 4) Endangered - Close to becoming extinct in the wild. 5) Critically Endangered - Extremely close to becoming extinct in the wild. 6) Extinct in the wild - These animals are extinct in the wild, but can be found in captivity. Usually, a handful will be found in captivity. 7) Extinct - No species of this animal and plant are thought to be surviving, either in the wild or in captivity. They are extinct.
With the Scottish Wildcat, it is just one step away from being extinct in the wild; as the Scottish Wildcat is critically endangered. There are several of them remaining in captivity, but not many. The ones which are in captivity, such as the Scottish Wildcats in the Highland Wildlife Park, are being breed to try and save the species. These cats could hold the key to increasing the numbers of these cats and saving the species altogether.
Saving The Scottish Wildcat
Saving this species will come down to two main things:
1) Preserving their habits, the local forests that they call home. 2) And, increasing their numbers. For example, breeding them.
Scottish Wildcats have also had a problem breeding with feral cats. This has resulted in the cats (unknowingly to them) participating in their own species decline and march towards extinction.
But there is still hope yet.
One thing that offers this cat hope, is the proposed reintroduction of these animals to other parts of the country. Something which could result in their revival!