Kitty cat makes a pur-rr-fect Highland Tiger

19 July 2010

The kitten was the only one born to mum Seasaidh and is still to be sexed and named.

One of 12 wildcats at HWP, the Scottish wildcat is now one of Britain's rarest mammals and is in serious danger of extinction. As the only remaining native feline, the arrival of a new kitten is an important boost to captive populations as well as a beautiful new addition for visitors to see.

As Douglas Richardson, Animal Collection Manager at the Highland Wildlife Park, said: “From latest estimates, the Highland tiger - as the Scottish wildcat is also known - is more rare than some of its larger cousins such as the Amur tiger that can also be seen here. Historically they were hunted for fur and  killed as vermin but more recently disease and vehicle collisions have also taken their toll. However, the greatest risk they face  is interbreeding with domestic cats; extinction by dilution. The remote Highlands provide a last refuge for this endangered cat that once occurred throughout the Britain.”

Wildcat team let loose!

22 June 2010
Our friendly and knowledgeable wildcat team will be attending the Scottish Game Fair at Scone on July 2^nd - 4^th and the Moy Field Sports Fair on August 6^th and 7^th. 
These are both excellent opportunities to come along and find out more about the project and speak to some of the people involved.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Updated Species Action Framework from SNH

17 June 2010
You can find out more about the Scottish Wildcat and what action is being taken for this amazing species, and other 'National Treasures' by heading over to the Scottish Natural Heritage pages. They have released the updated Species Action Framework which is the 'strategic approach to species management in Scotland'. So if you would like to find out what is planned then there is plenty to read about. 

Species Action Framework

Wildcats get colourful in Newtonmore

7 June 2010
On Saturday 12th June the Newtonmore Community Woodland & Development Trust are launching the Wildcat Experience. There will be lots of colourful cats around the village and Wildcat Trail, you can track them all down and find out more about one of the most amazing animals around - the Highland Tiger.

To take part you need to head to the Wildcat Centre which is next to the Village Hall on the main street of Newtonmore.

We hope you enjoy it, and good luck for tracking them all down.

Newtonmore visitor guide

Highland Tiger in London

28 May 2010
Wildcat fan Karen Thomas will be running the BUPA 10K race in London this Monday the 31st in support of Highland Tiger. She'll be dressed as a wildcat, making the race even more arduous, especially if it's a hot day (rather her than me!). We are delighted she has chosen to run the race to raise money for Highland Tiger and she has already raised over £500. This money will go straight to the conservation fund where it will be used to further wildcat conservation and research in the Cairngorms National Park, e.g. by purchasing more camera traps to help us monitor the elusive wildcat population. There is still time for last minute pledges so please check out Karen's sponsorship page at rzss.workwithus.org

Good luck Karen!