Wildcat Conservation

Wildcat conservation

An icon of Scottish wilderness

1 Why wildcats? Elusive and mysterious

Caring and Fierce and protective tenacious

Edge of Majestic and extinction beautiful

The last cat species of the UK

Stealthy, rugged, not your average moggie. The Scottish wildcat prowls select Scottish woods, spending its time hunting and protecting its territory. Known as the Highland tiger, this highly endangered species needs remote woodland to survive. Rarely seen and famously untameable, the wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is an important predator of the Caledonian Forest, but is threatened by interbreeding with feral and hybrid domestic cats.

2 The future for wildcats

• Saving Wildcats is a national conservation programme, bringing together leading experts to help save the Wildcat from extinction. • • Greater awareness and conservation of native species, • Change in land management practices, • Reduction in threats, • Sustainable captive population, • Populations reintroduced • Long term responsible cat ownership

Aims of Saving Wildcats is

• Greater awareness and conservation of native species across Scotland

• Change in land management practices

• Reduction in threats, especially from hybridisation from feral cats

• Sustainable captive population

• Populations reintroduced into several sites across Scotland with intensive post-release monitoring

• Long term responsible cat ownership

3 Our conservation tool box

Skills Innovation People

Planning Wildcats

Wooden toolbox by publicdomainvectors / Public Domain

Research Collaboration Funding

The conservation tool box contains many different aspects to ensure the survival of the wildcat of Scotland. • It brings together innovative thinking, how are going to overcome this conservation problem / issue • people (staffing), make sure that we have the correct amount of staffing available • ensuring that you have good quality animals i.e. wildcats, genetic diversity • no man is an island and the same can be said about conservation. There is an incredible about of linking with stakeholders, landowners, game keepers, biologists, scientists local people. We now have our greatest opportunity to work with expert partners to develop a future for the wildcat. A key part of this will be a national conversation on domestic pet and feral cat populations and how we manage these. , The public will have an important role in helping minimise future hybridisation. Responsible cat ownership - including microchipping, neutering and vaccinations - is one way we can help reduce the devastating effects on wildcats.” • Gathering funding to support the project from many different sources, if you don’t ask you don’t get • Scientific research, make sure that you have the latest research and knowledge to back up the science of the project • Strategic planning. Prior Planning Prevent Poor Performance. Make sure that you try and plan ahead for any situations or eventualities as possible • Skills, make sure you have the correct skill available for the project.

4 Genetics

Genetic test Dr Helen Senn from our partner organisation, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, has developed a genetic test to help identify Scottish wildcats from hybrids (when wildcats have interbred with domestic cats). It uses a sample of 35 nuclear DNA markers and 1 mitochondrial marker to identify the extent of hybridism (purity), and is based on one of the more powerful (83 SNP) tests currently available, developed in Switzerland. It has the advantage of generating data that can be compared to datasets for wildcats across Europe.

How we use this: Blood and hair samples are analysed by the WildGenes Laboratory at Edinburgh Zoo. By combining the genetic test with the pelage score, the scientists assess whether a cat should be used for the conservation breeding programme. If it's a high scoring cat, The Highland Wildlife Park and other land owners will then breed pairs to create a healthy population of Scottish wildcats for the purpose of later releasing them into the wild. We also bring hair samples to Helen which we collect when conducting monitoring. We position a wooden stake in the ground which is scented with catnip or Valerian to encourage the cat to rub against it. Then we collect the hair samples and take them to the lab for analysis.

5 Research

• Vet checks on zoo animals, make sure that you have a good founder population • Gathering data from the wild / field. What is the situation in the wild? • GPS the use of technology to make life easier when working in the field. Make sure you have suitable skills and knowledge • Historical research and comparison of historical wildcat pelage. Dr Andrew Kitchener from our partner organisation, National Museums Scotland, analysed over 200 cat skins in the museums collection. From his research, he developed a way to score a cat, based on its appearance (pelage). This helps us to tell the difference between a Scottish wildcat, a tabby domestic cat and a hybrid of the two. Each characteristic is given a score: 1 (domestic cat), 2 (hybrid) and 3 (Scottish wildcat).

“Fortunately in Scotland we have a fantastic group of scientists and specialists who are working together with the Scottish Government, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and others to explore all options to save the species here. Today is an important step towards the conservation of the ‘Highland Tiger’ in Scotland, but there’s a lot of work still to be done.”

Andrew Kitchener, chair of national rescue project Scottish Wildcat Action, said: “The Scottish Wildcat Action partnership is delighted with this news and it is testament to the strong working partnership formed under Scottish Wildcat Action that we have been able to secure funding for this next critical phase of work.”

6 Specialist skills

"We have in place a partnership of scientists and specialists with the knowledge and expertise to give us the best chance of restoring the wildcat in Scotland as a distinctive and charismatic species in the Scottish countryside, and I look forward to working with them to make this a reality.” • Seaman collection from wild wildcats and cryogenically freezing samples and perfecting AI in wildcats which still requires trails and research • Vet to ensure that the health and welfare standards are being met for the wild caught wildcats is being met. • Strategic planning and meticulous planning is required for the overall running of the project. • Field skills, setting and trapping animals, having the skills with regards, how to trap a wild animal

7 Education and awareness

Engaging with the public, schools, youth groups, collages and universities. Using novel approaches Supercat, wild about Scotland bus and wildcat mascots

8 What does this mean for Scottish wildcats? …and what are we doing about it?

9 Extinction vs. recovery

The wildcat is one of our most iconic Scottish species but its conservation faces serious challenges A report published in February by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s cat specialist group concluded there is no longer a viable wildcat population living wild in Scotland, with hybridisation with domestic and feral cats the major threat to their survival. This means the extinction of the species is highly likely without wildcat releases.

10 What’s in a name?

• Scottish wildcat or wildcat in Scotland? • No scientific justification for Scottish sub-species Felis silvestris grampia • All European wildcats (including UK) = Felis silvestris silvestris • Wildcats from mainland Europe can add valuable genetic diversity • Ongoing work to genetically sample captive European wildcats Felis silvestris silvestris • UK captive population all genetically “good” wildcats

Same sub- species!

Results of morphological and genetic analyses indicate that the Scottish wildcat descended from the European wildcat. The population in Great Britain became isolated about 7,000 to 9,000 years ago due to a rise of sea level after the last glacial maximum. Since 2017, the Cat Classification Task Force of the Cat Specialist Group recognizes Felis silvestris silvestris as the valid scientific name for all European wildcat populations, and F. s. grampia as a synonym, arguing that it is doubtful that the Scottish wildcat is sufficiently distinct to accord it a separate subspecific status.

11 Wildcat status in Scotland

Wildcats in Scotland are Critically Endangered.

There are fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild.

Wildcats in Scotland could become extinct without help.

The population of wildcats in Scotland is estimated to be below 100

Wildcats were once common throughout mainland Britain but now scientists have estimated that there could be fewer than 115 wildcats left in the wild. "Because although there are possibly a few cats out there that we could consider to be mostly wildcat from a genetic perspective, the vast majority are hybrids," she said. "And even if we find those few cats, you've only got to fast forward one generation to think 'who are those cats going to mate with?' "So I think we would say from a functional perspective this population is extinct or on the brink of extinction."

Currently, the greatest threat to wildcats is hybridisation. However, this is a symptom, not the original cause, of the low population density of wildcats left in Scotland. Combined with habitat loss and the decline in wildcat population at the same time as an increase in numbers of domestic and feral cats, the few remaining wildcats have bred with this invasive species. Although there are several significant differences, and they are different species, feral domestic cats and wildcats are closely related enough to produce viable offspring (this means that their offspring can reproduce). This has gradually diluted the wildcat gene pool even further and is compounded generation upon generation.

12 Wildcat genetics priorities

• Wild population status = non- viable • Threats = hybridisation, persecution, low gene diversity • Captive population = increased breeding and new genes • Key action needed = We are here ! Reinforcement / reintroduction Felis silvestris silvestris • Release site = development of site suitable for establishing viable population

Ecologists believe they will need to import wildcats trapped on the continent, perhaps as early as next year, and add them to the captive population to help strengthen the gene pool. There are 94 Scottish pure wildcats in captivity and European wildcats will need time to acclimatise to Scotland’s wetter and colder climate.

In about five years, they would be released into an area such as the Cairngorms, but only after a ruthless programme of neutering and culling of feral domestic cats, and further controls on domestic pets in the area, to protect them from crossbreeding.

13 Cause of the decline

Disease Persecution Prey decline

3949207 by Pixabay / CC BY 1.0 Rifle by Pxfuel / CC0 1.0

Hybridisation Habitat change

European rabbit by JJ Harrison / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Cairngorms geograph by Alan Findlay / CC BY-SA 2.0

Ask the children what could be the main threats?

Click to reveal.

In the past, wildcat numbers decreased due to habitat loss and hunting. Today, there are 5 main threats to the survival of the wildcat in Scotland:

1) Loss of Habitat and change - reduction in the scots Caledonian pine forest and development of the countryside.

2) Disease - Feral pet cats can spread parasites and disease to wildcats.

3) Accidental persecution - Gamekeepers carry out legal predator control to reduce pest numbers, but run the risk of killing or harming a wildcat by mistake.

4) Hybridisation - When wildcats breed with pet cats and produce fertile offspring. The offspring are a mixture of wild and pet cats. Hybridisation is a symptom not a cause. Eventually wildcats would be wiped out.

14 5) Loss of prey species – decline in rabbits due to myxomatosis,

14 The role of zoos

Car insurance by Picture of Monday / CC BY 2.0 Population management

Animal welfare and Education and research awareness Fundraising and capacity building

Modern zoos aim to promote animal conservation, educate people, and support further wildlife research. The three are entwined to ensure the animals are housed to the highest possible standards of welfare. Staff are dedicated to providing species-specific housing, appropriate diets and husbandry to ensure that the animals’ lives are as natural as possible within captivity.

Fundraising Zoos support a number of in situ conservation projects and contribute to valuable research and practical conservation efforts local and worldwide.

Much has been achieved in fifteen years of campaigning. EAZA members have made a real and tangible difference for the protection of biodiversity in many parts of the world. Some of the headlines and highlights are as follows: • More than €5 million raised for conservation projects around the world, with increased awareness of particular issues creating further fundraising opportunities; • More than 140 conservation projects have received grants from EAZA campaign funds – and grants are still being awarded by some of the campaigns; • New links have been established between EAZA and other conservation organisations, and between EAZA member institutions and individual conservation projects; • EAZA campaigns have been the catalyst for important regulatory change, in particular relating to the negative impacts of the bushmeat trade on apes; • Hundreds of millions of zoo and aquarium visitors have been exposed to messages about the importance of biodiversity conservation.

15 Conservation breeding programme

Captive population overview (2019) Current breeding population 102 individuals No. of collections 34 % suitable for breeding min 89% New collections 2019 3 Known pedigree 100% Breeding recommendations based on

Too high and we loose cats with valuable genetic and pelage criteria genetic variation 8% 3%

Too low and we are saving little better than current situation 89%

Breed Awaiting pelage score Do not breed

The IUCN reports says recent genetic testing and population sampling by the RZSS and conservation agencies has confirmed the majority of Scottish wildcats are now interbred with feral domestic cats.

Because the species is so elusive and rare, ecologists are not certain how many survive but estimate the wild population ranges from about 30 to 430 individuals. Sampling between 2015 and 2018 found only 20% were pure wildcats, while 80% were either hybrids or actually entirely domestic.

An RZSS genetics study published last year found, however, that the extent and rate of crossbreeding was so advanced that domestic cat genes were now dominant in the surviving wild population.

16 Molecular studbook – what and why?

Problem Solution Result

Very low pedigree Molecular studbook Complete pedigree

• 7% pedigree known • Samples from hybrid testing used • One of 1st molecular studbooks in world • Genetic analysis not possible without • ddRAD methodology (sequencing random • Reconstruction of pedigree back 2 good data 5% genome) generations • High pedigrees help defines genetic • Resulted in >3000 SNP’s • Current known* pedigree – 100% goals • Reconstruction software – SEQUOIA • Improved population management • High pedigrees help reduce inbreeding

DNA by The Digital Artist / CC0

Work through slide

17 What is conservation breeding? The controlled breeding and management of a captive population to support species restoration and conservation

18 Conservation breeding for release Almost all carnivore reintroductions originate from conservation breeding centres.

Black footed Persian leopard, Russia Iberian lynx, ferret, USA Europe

Preconditioning Pen by Ryan Hagerty / CC BY 2.0

Black-footed ferret reintroduction by USFWS Mountain-Prairie / CC BY 2.0

Black footed ferret; The species declined throughout the 20th century, primarily as a result of decreases in prairie dog populations and sylvatic plague. It was declared extinct in 1979 until Lucille Hogg's dog brought a dead black- footed ferret to her door in Meeteetse, Wyoming, in 1981. That remnant population of a few dozen ferrets lasted there until the animals were considered extinct in the wild in 1987. However, a captive-breeding program launched by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service resulted in its reintroduction into eight western US states, Canada, and Mexico from 1991 to 2009. Now, over 1,000 mature, wild-born individuals are in the wild across 18 populations, with five self-sustaining populations in South Dakota (two), Arizona, and Wyoming. It was first listed as "endangered" in 1982, then listed as "extinct in the wild" in 1996 before being downgraded back to "endangered" in 2008.

In 2009, a Persian Leopard Breeding and Rehabilitation Centre was created in Sochi National Park, where two male leopards from Turkmenistan are being kept since September 2009, and two females from Iran since May 2010. Their descendants are planned to be released into the wild in the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve. In 2012, a pair of leopards was brought to the Persian Leopard Breeding and Rehabilitation Centre from Lisbon Zoo. Two cubs were born there in July 2013. It is planned to release them into the wild after they have learned survival skills.

19 Case study – Iberian lynx • Unique lynx species • Only found in Spain & Portugal • Icon of Iberia • Keystone species Iberian Lynx adult by Manedwolf / • Only cat species to ever be Critically Endangered CC BY 3.0 ES

Popn. = 1,200 40 yrs Popn. = 92 Population, Iberian Lynx Projecto Lynx info Boards by Kolforn / CC BY-SA 4.0

The Iberian lynx has been down listed from critically endangered species to endangered species thanks to reintroduction and other conservation actions. Its small population makes the cat especially vulnerable to extinction from sudden random events such as a natural disaster or disease.

20 Iberian lynx conservation breeding

• Dedicated off-show breeding centres • Dedicated, experienced and skilled staff specific to the centres • Effective remote monitoring systems and data collection • Long-term funding • Effective / varied enrichment and pre-release training programme • Intensive bio-security • Integrated live feeds to visitor centres

Iberan Lynx CNRLI by Kolforn / CC BY-SA 4.0

Conservation measures include restoring its native habitat, maintaining the wild rabbit population, reducing unnatural causes of death, and captive breeding for release. The Spanish National Commission for the Protection of Nature endorsed the Iberian Lynx Ex Situ Conservation Breeding Program to serve as a "safety net" by managing the captive population and also to "help establish new Iberian lynx free-ranging populations through reintroduction programmes." Before release of captive-bred cats, their natural habit may be simulated to prepare them for life in the wild. A 2006 study used a non-intrusive monitoring system involving cameras to monitor the demographics of both lynxes and rabbits residing in Sierra Morena. Supplemental food sources could be provided if wild rabbits suffered a decline.

21 Reintroduction success

2002 Population = 92

Reintroduction 2019 550+

Is this possible for Scottish wildcats ?

The second aim of the project was working in the field, restoring habitat and increasing rabbit numbers with a view towards reintroduction, and the first lynx from the captive breeding project were reintroduced into a new area in Andalusia in 2009.

Efforts by ICONA (the Spanish National Nature Conservation Institute) to improve conditions in Donana National Park, one of the last strongholds of the species, include increasing rabbit numbers by improving habitat conditions and removing some grazing animals to decrease competition for food with rabbits. In areas surrounding the Park, efforts are being made to decrease lynx traffic fatalities, eliminate trapping of rabbits and other animals, and initiate a campaign of environmental awareness. There are also plans to promote genetic exchange through the creation of natural habitat corridors between populations.

22 Wildcats Status of Felis silvestris silvestris • Population restricted to Scotland • Icon of Scottish nature • Last wild living felid in UK • Population considered “non-viable”

Mid Mid 1990’s 2005 2019 1990’s

Illustrative purposes only Illustrative purposes only Illustrative purposes only

Popn. = 3,500 ~ 30yrs Popn. = 115 – 314? Scotland topographic map by Eric Gaba / CC BY-SA 4.0

Dr Andrew Kitchener, chairman of the Scottish Wildcat Action steering group, a coalition of more than 20 agencies and charities, said: “We now have the strongest and most reliable evidence to date that wildcats are in a more endangered state than previously understood.

“While we believe there are wildcats remaining in the wild in Scotland, there are no longer enough to ensure their continued survival as viable populations. We can now plan the essential next steps to give the wildcat a sustainable future.”

23 Conservation breeding strategy

Captive bred Wild animals population Conservation Captive breeding for population release Population Surplus young Wild population

Site Site surveys Learning surveys

Full releases and intensive post-

Pre-release release monitoring Trial releases training

Specialist reintroduction centre The cats will be raised at a new specialist centre in the Highlands that is being set up as part of the multi-million-pound Saving Wildcats recovery project. Locations in the Cairngorms are being assessed for suitability as release sites. The initiative has been given the go-ahead thanks to a £3.2 million grant from the European Union, with the first cats expected to be released in 2022. The reintroduction centre will be based at the Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig, near Aviemore, which is already home to a captive breeding programme for the species. Helen Senn, head of conservation and science programmes at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) charity, which runs the wildlife park, said: “Wildcats are on the brink of extinction in Scotland but it’s not too late. “With funding in place, it is tremendously exciting to begin the UK’s first wildcat release project and bring together all the necessary resources and expertise to make it happen.

The IUCN, which has very strict rules on reintroducing wild species in areas where humans endanger native populations, said any release programme would have to be tightly managed.

“We reason that the recovery of the wildcat in Scotland will only be possible with the support of reintroduction/reinforcement projects, and that the remaining ‘pure Scottish wildcats’ should be combined with wildcats from continental Europe,” its report said.

“Both reintroduction projects or reinforcement of remnant nuclei should be considered. This requires a rigorous suppression of feral cats and hybrids in areas of reinforcements, and the removal of feral cats in areas of potential reintroduction.”

24 Conservation breeding

Forward arrow to start film or back up film click bottom left corner “We have recently developed an off-show breeding facility for the wildcats, one of the largest of its kind in the world for small cats. Through the conservation breeding and pre-release training programme we will eventually use captive born wildcats to carry out reintroductions across Scotland.”

RZSS Highland Wildlife Park has a strong track record in breeding the Scottish wildcat, helping to maintain a healthy captive population and establishing a conservation breeding for release programme, which will be critical in securing the future of Scotland’s last remaining native cat species.

RZSS is leading on the conservation breeding for release aspect of the project. This will be accomplished with the help of newly built off-show breeding enclosures for Scottish wildcats at RZSS Highland Wildlife Park. The pioneering breeding programme will see a combination of wildcats born in captivity and a select number of wild-caught cats housed in large, naturalistic enclosures, breeding to produce offspring for reintroductions. As the enclosures are off- show, it will ensure the cats do not become accustomed to people or traffic, thereby maintaining the natural behaviours necessary for their survival in the wild.

25 Reintroduction plans

Plans for 1st dedicated reintroduction Wildcat Breeding & Reintroduction facility in UK Centre

Based on successful models used for Iberian lynx

Species specific facility for: Quarantine Breeding Training Veterinary care

Key Facilities 1. Pre-release training enclosures 2. Biosecurity quarantine area 3. Breeding enclosures 4. SWA for LIFE management offices

26 National Wildcat Reintroduction Centre Features Wildcat breeding & quarantine

Best practice pre-release training

Veterinary care & biosecurity Project management hub

Over the next six years, RZSS will lead the Saving Wildcats project which will build on the work of the Scottish Wildcat Action partnership, supported by a £3.2 million EU LIFE grant and co-funding from the Garfield Western Foundation, the National Trust for Scotland, the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and the European Nature Trust. This support has allowed RZSS to create a National Wildcat Reintroduction Centre at the Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

27 The future for wildcats

Annual Reintroductio release of n • Development of wildcat conservation facility wildcats site prepared • Wildcat reintroductions

• Long term threat control strategies Development of viable • Support and engagement from landowners population • Increased awareness and education within communities Population expansion

RECOVERY not EXTINCTION

Wildcats are set to be reintroduced in the Scottish Highlands from 2022 after the native species was declared 'functionally extinct' in the wild

Cairngorms release sites “Using wildcats from the existing captive population, as well as cats from Europe to boost the gene pool, the reintroduction centre will provide a sustainable source of wildcats for years to come. “The Cairngorms have historically been a key part of the wildcat range and we are working closely with the partners to understand which is our preferred first release site. “Further wildcat releases may also take place in other strategically important locations across Scotland, with the potential to support well-planned future efforts in the rest of the UK.”

Efforts to ensure the survival of the species must involve help from the wider public. “A key part of this will be a national conversation on domestic pet and feral cat populations and how we manage these,” she said. “The public will have an important role in helping minimise future hybridisation. Responsible cat ownership – including microchipping, neutering and vaccinations – is one way we can help reduce the devastating effects on wildcats.”

28 https://youtu.be/14-MVM9Pksg

Click for film. • Pre-release training and monitoring • To ensure the required range of natural behaviours required for survival in the wild • Release and post-release monitoring • To evaluate the success of releases • Further releases

29 How YOU can help

• Report sightings of wildcat • Make a donation or adopt a wildcat or volunteer and get involved. • Make sure your cat is a Supercat! • Supercats are pet or farm cats that have been micro-chipped, neutered and have up-to-date vaccinations.

scottishwildcataction.org

Half a million people in Scotland own a cat and there are 100,000 stray and feral cats too but fewer than 115 Scottish wildcats in the wild. Our native cat is on the edge of extinction but cat owners can take action to help.

Domestic cats (pet, stray or feral) and wildcats can all share disease and breed with each other. Scottish Wildcat Action believes that neutering, vaccinating and micro-chipping domestic cats is the best way to protect wildcats from further decline but it also helps pet cats to be healthier and safer.

Scottish Wildcat Action wants people in Scotland to take action to neuter, vaccinate and microchip their pet and farm cats to prevent diseases like Feline Leukaemia (FeLV) and Feline Aids (FIV) from spreading and to stop cats getting lost or having unwanted kittens.