Meet the kittens with the future of a species on their shoulders – HeraldScotland
Posted: February 9, 2020 at 1:48 pm
Their nine lives may be running out but if a major project works, Scottish wildcats could eventually roam the nation once again, finds Sandra Dick
Somewhere between the polar bear, the Bactrian camel and the Japanese macaque, Felis silvestris, among the rarest of them all, is usually found hiding behind a cairn, up a tree or curled up in a ball, snoozing.
At noon most days, however, visitors to the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig near Aviemore will be treated to a fleeting glimpse of its bushy tail, mean green-yellow eyes and thick fur, as one of the nations most elusive creatures emerges to snatch a lump of meat for lunch before retreating to the shadows.
For most park visitors, that brief glimpse of the Scottish wildcats is at the top of their list of must-see attractions, possibly alongside Hamish the juvenile polar bear, a national treasure and the first cub born in the UK for 25 years, and the Amur tiger.
What they wont see, however, is a massive behind-the-scenes effort spanning the UK and Europe, and which its hoped will throw a lifeline to ensuring Scottish wildcats 70 times more endangered than the giant panda will not just be around for generations to come, but could eventually become established in locations right across Scotland.
Tucked out of sight on a patch of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotlands park which is out of bounds to visitors, a new wildcat reintroduction centre is about to become "ground zero" for the survival of a fragile species entwined in Scottish national identity but currently in a fierce catfight for its very survival.
A combination of cross-breeding with feral and domestic cats, habitat loss, road accidents, historic persecution and disease has all but wiped out the purest of Scotlands treasured wildcat population.
Left to their own devices, the tiny number with genes not already severely diluted from mating with outsiders, will dwindle, fade and disappear.
Hopes are now pinned on a 5.5 million scheme led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and, almost certainly, some amorous intervention from the species closest European cousins to help the Scottish wildcat get back on its feet.
By the end of this year, the first wildcats will be in settled in at the new reintroduction centre, 12 breeding pairs which assuming nature takes it course should produce enough healthy offspring to see 60 wildcats reintroduced to carefully picked spots in the Cairngorms over a three-year period.
Eventually its hoped they could be reintroduced elsewhere in Scotland raising the possibility of the creatures becoming commonplace across the country.
Although, according to David Barclay, cat conservation project officer with the RZSS who currently oversees the 107 wildcats in the UK-wide breeding programme, the first challenge is to save the handful of remaining Scottish wildcats from extinction.
Theres perhaps a very small number of wildcats left in Scotland, he admits. And we have a lot of evidence that says the population is non-viable.
Without putting more wildcats back, they will almost certainly go extinct in the next few years.
Wildcats are in that short list of animals that are iconic species for Scotland, such as the golden eagle and the red squirrel, he adds.
For Scotland not to have wildcats would be a very sad day.
At Kincraig, a recent 3.2million EU LIFE grant added to funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation, the National Trust for Scotland, the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species and the European Nature Trust, has enabled work to start on building the new centre.
A recruitment drive is now under way to find 16 staff while plans are being drawn up for a major campaign to encourage domestic cat owners to neuter their pets to avoid the main threat to wildcats future, hybridisation.
Feral or domestic cats that enter the wildcat reserve will be trapped, neutered, vaccinated and released.
Most of the 12 breeding pairs are expected to be sourced mainly from the UK-wide wildcat breeding programme but some are likely to make the journey from Europe, in particular Spain, where wildcats have been found to share physical similarities to their Scottish relations, and populations are more stable.
It may sound like a further erosion of the Scottish wildcats precious gene pool, however Mr Barclay insists the European presence will strengthen, not weaken, the wildcats chances of survival.
The European wildcats will improve the gene pool, he states. The cat we have is a European wildcat, its just a different population thats more critically endangered.
If we have to bring some cats from Europe and it would be a relatively small number we would want to bring them from a population where we feel that there are similarities with Scottish cat.
And Spanish wildcats look very similar to Scottish wildcats.
If you bring wildcats from Europe, you are bringing new genetic material which gives Scottish wildcats a boost in terms of the gene pool.
The fight to save Scotlands wildcats has already crossed international boundaries: as well as working with Scottish Natural Heritage, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and Forestry and Land Scotland, the RSZZ Saving Wildcats project the only official wildcats project in the country is partnered with Swedish wildlife park Nordens Ark, and Spains Junta De Andaluca, which led the successful recovery of the Iberian lynx.
It has been boosted by the arrival of two potential "Adam and Eve" wildcats: male and female, both accidentally trapped, both found to have surprisingly strong wildcat genes.
While the male is now at an English zoo where its hoped nature will soon play its part in boosting wildcat numbers, the female, Lossie, has already produced five kittens from two litters.
Last year, one of her offspring, Katrine, delivered her first litter four kittens, each carrying on its tiny shoulders the future of a species which has roamed Scotlands hills since the Ice Age.
For next few years its about getting all the right tools in one place so we can create a viable, sustainable population of wildcats in one location, adds Mr Barclay.
Once we have been through that process and know that the reintroduction technology works, then we can replicate that across Scotland.
The crucial element is controlling the threat: we cant release them until the threat is removed, and one of the biggest threats in hybrid and domestic cats.
The reintroduction of wildcats would follow in the wake of the reintroduction of sea eagles, water voles and beavers to the wild each native to Scotland but brought to extinction through hunting and loss of habitat.
The wildcats return could also pave the way for other animals including lynx and wolves. Campaign group Rewilding Britain has also suggested the reintroduction of long-gone species including the dalmatian pelican, bison, boar and moose.
Worryingly, however, are further signs that Scottish wildcats and in some cases their European cousins are hanging by the thinnest of threads.
Last month an international genetic study of wildcats in 13 European countries published in the journal Conservation Genetics warned it had failed to identify a single pure wildcat in Scotland.
Across Europe, wildcat numbers were also found to be affected by hybridisation, with the first example of a hybrid cat in the Eastern Alps of Austria.
In Scotland, we found exclusively hybrids of different classes, indicating hybridisation has been occurring for several generations, it states. All samples from Scotland were identified as hybrids supporting previous findings that the genetic integrity of that wildcat population has been seriously compromised.
It also presented a dire warning for the future of the species.
Frequent hybridisation with the domestic cat may regionally threaten the genetic integrity of the European wildcat, as documented by the example of the wildcat in Scotland, it adds, potentially leading even to the genetic extinction of local populations.
View original post here:
Meet the kittens with the future of a species on their shoulders - HeraldScotland
- HitXP Science of Genetics behind the Hindu Gotra System ... [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Size Genetics - Male Enhancement Reviews [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Male Infertility | Genetic Abnormalities or Male ... [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Male infertility - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Androgenic alopecia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2015]
- Difference Between Male and Female BirdsGenetics and ... [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2015]
- URNotAlone Profile for Lynda Flores, Genetic Male Straight ... [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2015]
- Understanding Genetics [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2015]
- Male - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2015]
- WHO | Gender and Genetics [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2015]
- The Genetics of Male Infertility - The Turek Clinic [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2015]
- Male Hair Loss All You Need To Know - The Belgravia Centre [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2015]
- Male-pattern hair loss - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2015]
- Genetics - biology [Last Updated On: August 2nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2015]
- Are People Born Gay? Genetics and Homosexuality [Last Updated On: August 20th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 20th, 2015]
- Hormone and genetic study in male to female transsexual ... [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2015]
- Cloning Myths - Learn Genetics [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- Sensorineural deafness and male infertility - Genetics ... [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2015]
- Workable male sterility systems for hybrid rice: Genetics ... [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2015]
- Proband - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2015]
- Y chromosome - Genetics Home Reference [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2015]
- Genetics - NHS Choices [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2015]
- Genetics / Does the male or female carrier the gene for twins. [Last Updated On: March 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 13th, 2016]
- The Genetics of Balding | Understanding Genetics [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2016]
- Male Infertility - Genetics & IVF Institute [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2016]
- Scientist Explains the Genetics of Male Pattern Baldness [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- Definitions for Terms in Genetics Problems [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2016]
- Genetics of human male infertility. [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2016]
- BEHAVIORAL GENETICS: THE SCIENCE OF ... - PubMed Central (PMC) [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2016]
- Review of the Status of Aquaculture Genetics [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2016]
- Genetics of Skin Cancer (PDQ)Health Professional Version [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- Genetics of Prostate Cancer (PDQ)Health Professional ... [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- Genetics of Breast and Gynecologic Cancers (PDQ)Health ... [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2016]
- Evolution - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2016]
- Human - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2016]
- Genetics - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Beefalo - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 4th, 2016]
- Drosophila melanogaster - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2016]
- Breast CancerPatient Version - National Cancer Institute [Last Updated On: January 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 6th, 2017]
- Sex - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2017]
- The 44 Chromosome Man | Understanding Genetics [Last Updated On: February 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 5th, 2017]
- Binary thought suppresses identity - The Daily Evergreen [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Tortoiseshell cat - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Entrepreneurship Is Genetic, And South Africa Is The Ideal Environment For Young Entrepreneurs To Thrive - Huffington Post South Africa (blog) [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Women in Data Science conference highlights female participation in male-dominated field - Daily Free Press (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Male Contraceptives Have A Messy History And A Bright Future - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- The impact of RABL2B gene (rs144944885) on human male infertility in patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia ... - UroToday [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- More Than 200 Baldness-Linked Genetic Markers Found - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Can Your Anxiety Impact How Long You Last In Bed? - Men's Health [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Genetic data show mainly men migrated from the Pontic steppe to Europe 5000 years ago - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Men inherit male pattern baldness from their mum's side of the family ... - Metro [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Experts Are One Step Closer To Predicting A Man's Risk For Hair Loss - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Baldness linked to over 280 genes - BioNews [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Genetic basis for male baldness identified in large-scale study - Medical News Today [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Genetic data show mainly men migrated from the Pontic steppe to ... - Science Daily [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Thousands of horsemen may have swept into Bronze Age Europe, transforming the local population - Science Magazine [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Cohen wins Gates grant for her new take on male contraception - Cornell Chronicle [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2017]
- A Florida higher-ed official said women's genetics may be keeping ... - Washington Post [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2017]
- Florida higher education official said women may earn less than men because of genetics - New York Daily News [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2017]
- Twins Separated at Birth Reveal Staggering Influence of ... [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2017]
- Scientific studies favor male miceand that could hurt a lot of humans - Popular Science [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- So Cal mountain lions' low genetic diversity threatens population - Davis Enterprise [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Horse Tale: Oriental Stallions Dominate Horse DNA, Gene Study Shows - NBCNews.com [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- sex chromosome | genetics | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- The problematics of genetics and the Aryan issue - The Hindu [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2017]
- Scientists arming new weapon against dengue, malaria mosquitoes - The Indian Express [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2017]
- Fertility and Genetics - Affordable High Quality Fertility ... [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2017]
- Aryan Invasion May Have Transformed India's Bronze-Age Population - Live Science [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- How Masculinity Can Be Bad For Men's Health - WUNC [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- Nilgiris pale tiger an 'aberrant genetic mutation' - The Hindu [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Evolution and war: The 'deep roots' theory of human violence - Genetic Literacy Project [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Hair loss in men: THIS shower habit could be why you're going bald - Express.co.uk [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2017]
- Don't Blame Your Mom's Dad for Male Pattern Baldness - Inverse [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2017]
- Falling sperm counts are linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals - MinnPost [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Should genetic engineering be used as a tool for conservation? - chinadialogue [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Trinity Researchers Lead Analysis of Portugal and Spain's Genetic History - The University Times [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Williams Professor Wins Grants to Study Evolutionary Genetics - iBerkshires.com [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- History News of the Week: The Biblical Canaanites' Modern Descendants - New Historian [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- When the male fruit fly gets a headache - Haaretz [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Genetics LadyFrontbum [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]