Wildcat dies after release in Highlands due to prey shortage
- Nine wildcats were released in the Cairngorms in June as part of a conservation project.
- Two wildcats died a month later, one from being hit by a car and another likely from starvation due to a lack of prey.
- The incidents highlight the challenges of reintroducing captive-bred animals into the wild and the impact of environmental conditions.
In June, a conservation project aimed at saving the wildcat species led to the release of nine wildcats in the Cairngorms of Scotland. The initiative was spearheaded by the Saving Wildcats team, who had bred the kittens in captivity to combat the species' risk of extinction. Unfortunately, the wet summer conditions significantly reduced the availability of prey in the area, which posed a serious threat to the newly released animals. A month after their release, two wildcats faced tragic fates. One female cat, named Midge, was struck by a vehicle on a minor road in Glen Feshie during the night. On the same day, the tracking device on another wildcat, Oats, ceased to transmit movement signals. Field officers from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) were dispatched to investigate Oats' status. Upon arrival, they discovered Oats had also died, likely due to starvation, as the lack of prey made it difficult for her to survive in the wild. The unfortunate outcomes of these two wildcats highlight the challenges faced by conservation efforts, particularly in relation to environmental conditions that can drastically affect wildlife. The deaths of Midge and Oats serve as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in reintroducing captive-bred animals into their natural habitats. The project underscores the need for careful monitoring and consideration of ecological factors to ensure the survival of endangered species in the wild.