Experts fear Scottish wildcat may be extinct

[theHandpuppet]

The Scotsman
12 November, 2014
Experts fear Scottish wildcat may be extinct
by ILONA AMOS

THE Scottish wildcat may already be consigned to folklore as genetic tests reveal the native feline may already be extinct.

Experts have identified ­hybridisation through interbreeding with domestic and feral animals as the biggest threat to the survival of the UK’s only indigenous cat species.

Now conservationists have admitted that analysis of samples collected over 30 years of research on the critically endangered cat reveal none were 100 per cent genetically pure.

The shock revelation came yesterday as government agency Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) published a new report setting out proposals for the Scottish Wildcat Conservation Action Plan....

MORE at http://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/experts-fear-scottish-wildcat-may-be-extinct-1-3601814

[MADem]

1. Well, what do they expect, really?

"OK all you feral cats, no 'cattin' around' with those wildcats, you hear? And you domestic toms, I don't care if your mummy lets you out at night--you stay away from those Wild Thangs!!"

Felines gonna procreate, it's what they do...

[theHandpuppet]

3. Yep, I'm afraid this should come as no surprise

I think the only hope for any genetically "pure" specimens would have to come from zoos, if there are some in captivity.

[shenmue]

2. :(

[theHandpuppet]

4. Here's a site for more info and great pics of the wildcat

What a beautiful animal.

http://www.scottishwildcats.co.uk/wildcat.html

[theHandpuppet]

5. Apparently there's still some hope?

BBC News
11 November 2014
Six Scottish wildcat conservation areas identified

Six priority areas for Scottish wildcat conservation have been identified following research commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)...

...Thee Angus Glens, Strathbogie in Aberdeenshire, Strathavon in Moray and Morvern, Strathpeffer and Dulnain in the Highlands are the six areas.

The research suggested these were where wildcats had the best chance.

Nine areas were assessed as part of the multi-agency Wildcat Action project. Work to conserve wildcats in the six selected sites is to start next year....

MORE at http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-30002335

[okasha]

6. The situation seems similar

to that of the American red wolf, who were successfully pulled back from extinction.