Wildlife

Wild Wildcat Conservation Advanced: Genetic Rescue Programme

Scottish wildcat genetic rescue combines captive breeding, feral cat neutering, and habitat management for species survival.

Key Facts

Fewer than 300 pure Scottish wildcats remain, all showing hybridisation with domestic cats
Royal Zoological Society Scotland maintains a certified pure breeding population for reintroduction
Feral cat neutering programmes within wildcat range reduce the pool of hybridisation partners
Habitat management creating extensive foraging territories is essential for reintroduced cats

Welfare Considerations

Individual captive wildcats experience welfare constraints from confinement but their role in genetic rescue is irreplaceable. The welfare of captive breeding cats is carefully managed with enrichment, appropriate social structure, and health monitoring. Each successfully reintroduced wildcat contributes to species welfare at population scale.

What You Can Do

Support Royal Zoological Society Scotland wildcat genetic rescue programme
Advocate for Scottish wildcat designation as a Critically Endangered UK species requiring priority action
Donate to Wildcat Haven feral cat neutering programmes in core wildcat range