"The prospect of European wildcats prowling in south-west England has taken a leap forward after a two-year study concluded a reintroduction was feasible and most local people were positive about the idea. Having been absent for more than a century, mid-Devon has been judged to have the right kind of habitat to support a population of Felis silvestris. The area has the woodland important for providing cover and den sites while its low intensity grasslands and scrubland create good hunting terrain."
"There may be some hitches. Interbreeding between wildcats and feral/domestic cats is an issue for wildcat populations in Scotland, threatening the genetic security of the species. For a reintroduction project in the south-west to succeed, the study says there would have to be cooperation with local communities and cat welfare organisations to support a neutering programme for feral and domestic cats."
A two-year investigation found reintroduction of European wildcats to mid-Devon feasible, with most local people positive. Mid-Devon provides woodland for cover and den sites, plus low-intensity grasslands and scrubland for hunting. Plans envisage releasing 40–50 animals after 2027. Wildcats would not be harmful to humans, livestock, or pets. Interbreeding with feral and domestic cats threatens genetic security and requires cooperation with communities and cat welfare organisations to implement a neutering programme. The project is led by a partnership including Devon Wildlife Trust, Forestry England and the Derek Gow Consultancy. Historical persecution and habitat loss drove wildcats from the south-west by the mid-19th century.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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