There is great news for the UK's wildcats, as wildcats are to make their way back to England's forests after 200 years of being absent from there.
Wildcats were once found throughout most of the British Isles. They were once found throughout Scotland, England and Wales. However, today, wildcats (which are known as Scottish wildcats today), are only found in parts of the Scottish highlands.
The Disappearing Wildcats
Scottish wildcats were once found throughout most of Scotland until the early 20th century - they were once found all over the mainland of Scotland.
They almost went extinct in the early 20th century in Scotland due to being hunted and through their forest home being destroyed.
Today its thought that there could be as low as 35 wildcats living in Scotland, but no more than 300 of the cats. Before the turn of the century, Scottish wildcats had been given endangered species protection by the UK government and there was over 3,000 of the cats left in the wild by the late 1990's. However, since devolution in Scotland, the Scottish wildcat population has been declining dramatically over the past two decades.
The same wildcats found in Scotland, were also found in England and Wales.
Sadly due to being hunted, wildcats went extinct in England and Wales during the late Victorian era. Wildcats have been extinct in England and Wales ever since then, however, they are set to make a comeback!
Wildcats are set to be reintroduced into England's woodlands after 200 years of being absent from them. The decision to release wildcats into England's woodlands is to help stop the species from going extinct in the UK.
Releasing wildcats into England's again will also help to rewild the UK. With the UK being one of the world's most nature- depleted countries, this is very welcoming news. It's also very welcoming news that our most endangered mammal - the wildcats - are having this wildlife conservation effort put into them. Hopefully, this can result in wildcats being pulled back from the brink of extinction in the UK.
The Wildwood Trust aims to bring back the wildcats in England. The Wildwood Trust plans to build to facilities to help wildcats, one of those facilities will be in Devon and the other facility will be in Kent. They are fundraising to help build these new facilities, if you want to help the Wildwood Trust and wildcats, go - here!
A brighter future can be created for Britain's wildcats.
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