The latest edition of CJS Professional is now online, and you can read it here. It includes this on the British wildcat:
There is only one native wild cat in Britain (for now! – see below) and work is ongoing in Scotland to ensure its survival. Read about one volunteer’s Wonderful Wildcat Experience. James Walker writes about what prompted him to leave a paid ranger post to take up this voluntary role with Scottish Wildcat Action, the work involved and the life changing decisions it lead to. And of course find out more about the project: Scottish Wildcat Action is the first national project to save the highly endangered Scottish wildcat from extinction. And the work continues: More than 100 cats trapped in fight to save endangered Scottish wildcats – Scottish Wildcat Action Action to save the enigmatic Scottish wildcat from extinction received a major boost this week with the news that more than 100 cats have been trapped during a recent neutering and vaccinating campaign. Scottish Wildcat Action’s far-reaching Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR) programme was carried out in its priority areas, including Morvern, Strathpeffer, Strathbogie, Northern Strathspey and the Angus Glens. These areas represent a total of 676 square miles (1750 square kilometres) of wildcat habitat. Feral cats present a threat to wildcats by hybridising with them and diluting the gene pool. Since November last year three wildcat project officers, contractors and dozens of local volunteers helped to catch a total 115 cats. Of these, 82 were taken to a veterinary surgeon for treatment and later returned, 12 feral kittens were rehomed, seven cats were either pet cats or had been neutered previously and so were all released and two were possible wildcats that were released without neutering. The remaining 12 feral cats sadly tested positive for disease or were in such poor condition and had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds. Scottish Wildcat Action is a national project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which aims to halt the decline of this native species by 2020. It is led by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and is a partnership of 20 organisations. The species’ conservation is an important feature of the Scottish Government’s 2020 Biodiversity Challenge.