Wildcat conservation An icon of Scottish wilderness Why wildcats? Elusive and mysterious Caring and Fierce and protective tenacious Edge of Majestic and extinction beautiful The last cat species of the UK 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 Our conservation tool box Skills Innovation People Planning Wildcats Wooden toolbox by publicdomainvectors / Public Domain Research Collaboration Funding Genetics Research Specialist skills Education and awareness What does this mean for Scottish wildcats? …and what are we doing about it? Extinction vs. recovery 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! 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 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 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 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 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 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 What is conservation breeding? The controlled breeding and management of a captive population to support species restoration and conservation 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 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 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 Reintroduction success 2002 Population = 92 Reintroduction 2019 550+ Is this possible for Scottish wildcats ? 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 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 Conservation breeding 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 National Wildcat Reintroduction Centre Features Wildcat breeding & quarantine Best practice pre-release training Veterinary care & biosecurity Project management hub 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 https://youtu.be/14-MVM9Pksg 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.