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The primary threat we, Highland Tigers, encounter is the risk of genetic extinction, primarily due to hybridization with feral cats, domestic cats, and existing hybrids. Additionally, we are facing risks such as incidental harm from predator control efforts, feline diseases, road collisions, and habitat fragmentation.
Recognition of the urgent need for conservation action for Scottish wildcats dates back to 2007 when they were identified as a priority species in the Species Action Framework. This led to the initiation of the Cairngorms Wildcat Project from 2009 to 2012, aimed at studying wildcats in the Cairngorms National Park.
NatureScot collaborates with various partners to expand conservation efforts for wildcats, culminating in the launch of the Scottish Wildcat Conservation Action Plan in 2013. Scottish Wildcat Action (SWA), the first national conservation project dedicated to meeting the action plan's objectives, was led by NatureScot, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and informed by a scoping report on priority areas for wildcat conservation. SWA commenced in 2015 and concluded in 2020.
Furthering the progress made by SWA, Saving Wildcats was established to advance the conservation and recovery of the species, building upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor.
As a Scottish Wildcat, we appear to be medium-sized mammals featuring a unique tabby brown coat pattern with bold stripes and a bushy tail with a blunt black tip. These features enable me to camouflage with my environment as I'm constantly surrounded by woodland edge in the margin of mountains and moorland. My ears stick out to the side of my rounded head allowing me to hear my prey from a distance. Meanwhile, my muscular and stockier body allows me to store energy for mating and catching prey during dawn and dusk.