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Published:
12:26 PM April 22, 2021
The kittens bred at Wildwood Trust are vital to the continued existence of the species in the UK
- Credit: Julie Luna Bayer
Almost 200 years since they became extinct, wildlife trusts are taking the next steps to reintroduce wildcats to England s countryside. Centres in Kent and Devon will lead the breeding programmes as researchers decide which habitats will work best for the large cats
After almost two centuries, the wildcat may be returning to England. The Wildwood Trust, in collaboration with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Vincent Wildlife Trust, is looking to begin a breeding and reintroduction programme very soon. Following an announcement this week, they are looking for donations and support from the public to save the species from extinction in the UK.
BBC News
Published
image captionWildcats bred in Kent and Devon could be reintroduced to the countryside
Wildcats could return to England for the first time in over 200 years, a wildlife charity has said.
The Wildwood Trust plans to start a breeding project, while researchers look for a suitable release site.
The return of the predators, which have been driven to extinction in England and Wales, could help restore the balance in ecosystems, the trust said.
Scientists working with the charity are investigating how to manage potential conflicts with farmers and pet owners. Our goal is to return a viable and self-sustaining wildcat population to its former range, Laura Gardner, the trust s director of conservation said.
The European wildcat could be reintroduced into the wild in the UK outside of Scotland for the first time in over two centuries thanks to the work of conservation groups.
The wildcat is Britain s rarest mammal and is functionally extinct, with less than 300 thought to be remaining exclusively in the Scottish Highlands.
But wildlife charity Wildwood Trust announced yesterday it was hoping to save the species from total extinction by heralding a new dawn for the country s last remaining native cat species.
Director of conservation Laura Gardner said: Our goal is to return a viable and self-sustaining wildcat population to its former range.
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