Conservationists are celebrating the release of the 50th wildcat into the Scottish Highlands as efforts to restore the critically endangered species reach a major milestone.
The landmark figure has been reached by Saving Wildcats following the release of four wildcats this summer into the Cairngorms National Park.
The conservation project, led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), has been working to save Scotland’s wildcats from extinction and has released the species into the Cairngorms since 2023.
The project has already recorded promising signs that the population is establishing itself in the wild, with female wildcats giving birth for three consecutive years.
However, conservationists say the species remains critically endangered in Scotland and requires continued support.
The milestone comes shortly after NatureScot published Scotland’s Wildcat Strategy, which draws on lessons from the Saving Wildcats project to help shape future efforts to secure the species’ survival.
Dr Sarah Henshall, head of conservation at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, described the release of 50 wildcats in four years as a “monumental step” for the recovery of the species.
She said: “It is a testament to the partnerships and communities that are working to ensure wildcat survival in Scotland.
“We are proud but we all remain conscious of the difficulties wildcats still face.”
Saving Wildcats plans to continue releasing animals to increase the size and genetic diversity of the population.
This will include wildcats bred with Spanish wildcats, which are considered the closest living genetic relatives of Scotland’s wildcats.
Dr Helen Senn, head of conservation and science programmes at RZSS, said wildcats faced a number of challenges in the wild, including the impacts of climate change.
She highlighted the wildfires which caused extensive damage to known wildcat habitats in the Cairngorms National Park this summer.
She said maintaining a diverse gene pool would help the population adapt to changing conditions and give the animals the best chance of long-term survival.
The project is also working with farmers, land managers and local communities, as wildcat habitats often overlap with land used by people.
Eleven mortalities have been recorded among released wildcats over the past three years, with five killed in vehicle collisions.
However, many of the animals survived in the wild for several years and produced litters before their deaths.
The project team is now working with local authorities and communities to raise awareness of wildcats and explore opportunities for additional signage across the Cairngorms.
Members of the public can also support the project by sponsoring a wildcat through Saving Wildcats.