Hi All
We wanted to update you on an exciting new development. We are currently monitoring for wildcats across multiple areas. We have previously found wildcat populations on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, Morvern and of course the Clashindarroch. However this is a tantalizing image of a potential wildcat found in an entirely new area. Even though the picture isn’t fully in focus it is possible to make out that distinctive, thick, clearly ringed and blunt tail. Cats with this clear diagnostic trait, normally turn out to be high scoring wildcats. It also looks like a large and bulky animal and the body looks to be striped, but we definitely need more images. Therefore the camera has been rebaited and we are hopeful that we will get a clearer picture soon. Once confirmed we will then roll out a bigger camera trap program to see if there are others. Where you find one, others are often found in adjacent territories. By using this step wise process, we are then able to build up a picture of the population in any given area. We also rely heavily on sightings information provided to us by local residents. That is how we obtained this encouraging first image.
We will keep you posted on developments, but we are excited about the possibility of finding and protecting a potentially brand new population of wildcats. This is exactly how our project work started in our other study areas including the Clashindarroch.
The weather has been unseasonably mild but as we go further into winter, we are getting the first frosts. Winter is the best time for camera trap survey work because as it gets colder and their prey becomes scarce, wildcats more readily come in for the bait that we use. As mentioned, we have cameras now active across 4 large areas of Scotland so we are hopeful for an exciting winter ahead.
We remain on standby for the decision on the Clashindarroch windfarm and we will give an update on Finlay next week. He is absolutely thriving.
You can find our previous news updates on our website:
Keep watching and thanks as always
Emily (Director) and Finlay.