'Wildcat stronghold' near Huntly sees four sightings
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AREAS around Huntly form "the most important site in Scotland for the wildcat".
That is according to Scottish Wildcat expert Dr Paul O'Donoghue, who claimed there have been four confirmed sightings in the area in the past two months.
One wildcat was spotted in the Clashindarroch Forest while another three were found in nearby areas.
Dr O'Donoghue said the new sightings showed that, despite nature agencies having declared the Scottish Wildcat "functionally extinct", the animals are more widespread than previously thought.
"This is clear evidence which shows they are not functionally extinct," he said.
"The Clashindarroch is the most important site in Scotland for the wildcat, with the surrounding areas also now becoming increasingly important.
"Areas around Huntly are known to be a wildcat stronghold and Aberdeenshire will play a key part in securing the species in the future.
"We're really excited and getting an increasing number of leads.
"And nearly every lead we follow up, we're finding a wildcat."
Dr O'Donoghue, director at grassroots conservation organisation Wildcat Haven, said the organisation aims to protect "magical, charismatic, elusive and beautiful" wildcats from habitat loss and from breeding with domestic cats.
The organisation was the driving force behind a online petition which received over one million supporters, aiming to block a new windfarm at Clashindarroch.
Despite the removal of feral cat populations being key to protecting wildcats, he said, Wildcat Haven does not cull cats, opting to catch, neuter and disease test them instead.
After working in conservation for over 20 years, with animals including elephants and black rhinos, Dr O'Donoghue turned his attention wildcats around a decade ago.
His approach, based on conserving wild populations, differs from an ongoing, Government-backed plan to breed wildcats in captivity and release them into the Cairngorms.
"This is all a very viable, safe and cost-effective alternative to the captive breeding and release program," Dr O'Donoghue said.
"All they need is a chance to live and breed in peace, because we're finding more and more of them.
"Wildcat Haven is the only organisation in Scotland preserving the wildcat in the wild.
"And everybody here wants the wildcats to be kept wild."
Wildcat Haven is looking to establish a 1000 square kilometre habitat in Aberdeenshire, where wildcats can only breed with other wildcats.
Estimating that Aberdeenshire alone has between 25 and 30 wildcats, Dr O'Donoghue said the organisation's plans could double that number in two to three years.
He said the project has already enjoyed community support and would look to grow further, with volunteers to take a leading role during neutering clinics.
Wildcat Haven also plans to hold village hall and community events in future.
"We're getting an amazing network of landowners and volunteers across Aberdeenshire," he said.
"And we want the community to take ownership of the project and to drive it.
"People are getting more and more excited about the wildcat and everybody can get involved, it is a completely inclusive project."
For more information click here, or email: admin@wildcathaven.co.uk
