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Copy of Scottish Wildcat

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

SCOTTISH WILDCAT

CAITLIN BROLLY
Photo by Airwolfhound

WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION

  • The Scottish wildcat is a distinct variety of wildcat. Wildcats are found in most of Europe, as well as parts of Africa
  • There is only 5 subspecies of wildcat altogether, and as well as Scotland, the Scottish wildcat is part of the variation found throughout Europe and Turkey.

DISTRIBUTION IN SCOTLAND

  • Originally the wildcat lived in all parts of the UK, but due to loss of forest habitat there are no longer any found in England or Wales.
  • In Scotland, the wildcat can be found in the Highlands, Argyll, and northern parts of the Central Belt.
  • Due to its elusive behaviour the exact population is hard to determine, but a team of scientists concluded there is around 400.
Photo by Sugarmonster

CONSERVATION STATUS

  • Although the wildcat is the most common cat species, the Scottish Wildcat is listed as vulnerable
  • According to the European Community's Habitat and Species Directive, it is a Species in need of strict protection.
  • In the U.K., the Scottish Wildcat is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and was added to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as a priority species in 2007.
Photo by Airwolfhound

CONSERVATION STATUS

  • Under the Scottish Natural Heritage's Species Action Framework, it is one of 32 species prioritised for conservation action, this was also in 2007
  • A Cairngorm Wildcat Conservation Project launched in 2009 following a conference about the Scottish Wildcat's status.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • The Scottish Wildcat is small- the head and body is an average of 56cm long, the tail 30cm long.
  • Males are slightly larger than females, weighing 6-9kg and 5-7kg
  • Appearing very