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One of the UK’s most critically endangered mammals, the European wildcat, may soon be reintroduced to parts of England. Conservation efforts are underway through the South West Wildcat Project, which aims to release around 50 wildcats starting in 2028. This initiative follows encouraging research suggesting a population could thrive in the mid-Devon countryside. The project builds on existing breeding programs in Scotland, aiming to expand the species’ range after centuries of decline.
Despite the optimism, concerns remain about the potential impact of reintroducing wildcats. Some worry about the predators threatening poultry, gamebirds, and native bird populations. Another significant issue is the risk of cross-breeding between wildcats and domestic or feral cats, which could jeopardize the goal of sustaining a genetically pure wildcat population. The Countryside Alliance has highlighted that failure to address hybridisation risks could result in the project’s collapse.
Local perspectives are mixed. Independent research by the University of Exeter found that approximately 80% of people surveyed supported reintroducing wildcats. However, some farmers, like Oliver Edwards from Exmoor, have expressed reservations. He explained his concerns about the ecological ripple effects, noting that wildcats primarily feed on voles, which are crucial food for barn owls in the region. Edwards emphasized the need for more extensive consultations with farming and landowning communities to determine the best locations for reintroduction.
The wildcat, sometimes referred to historically as the woodcat, was once common across Great Britain. However, habitat loss and human persecution led to its disappearance from England and Wales. Presently, their only known wild population exists in Scotland’s Highlands, where despite legal protections since 1988, their numbers have dwindled to about 115 and they remain at risk. Cath Jeffs, representing the Devon Wildlife Trust and leading the reintroduction project, emphasized that efforts to prevent predation on farmed birds by foxes could similarly protect against wildcat-related issues. She assured that wildcats live at low densities, making population control manageable, and pledged ongoing engagement with local communities to address concerns carefully and responsibly
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