Monday September 28th 2026
All 50 of the released wildcats (photo by RZSS)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A conservation project working to save Scotland’s critically endangered wildcats has reached a major milestone after 50 animals were released into the Scottish Highlands.
The latest releases bring the total number of wildcats released by the Saving Wildcats project to 50 since the programme began releasing animals into the Cairngorms National Park in 2023.
The project, led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), has also recorded wild-born kittens for three consecutive years, suggesting the released population is beginning to establish itself naturally.
Despite the progress, wildcats remain critically endangered in Scotland and conservationists say continued support will be needed to secure the species’ future.
Four wildcats were released this summer, with further releases planned to increase the population and strengthen its genetic diversity.
The project will include animals bred with Spanish wildcats, which are the closest living genetic relatives of Scotland’s wildcats.
Dr Sarah Henshall, head of conservation at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said reaching 50 releases was a “monumental step” for the recovery of the species.
She said the milestone was a testament to the partnerships and communities working to protect wildcats, while warning that the animals still face significant challenges.
Dr Helen Senn, head of conservation and science programmes at RZSS, said wildcats faced a number of pressures, including climate change.
Wildfires caused extensive damage to known wildcat habitats in the Cairngorms National Park this summer, she said.
The conservation team is working with farmers, land managers and local communities to support coexistence between wildcats and people.
Wildcat habitats can overlap with land managed by people and include areas such as forest edges, rough grassland, scrubland and areas alongside rivers and other waterways.
The project has recorded 11 deaths among released wildcats over the past three years. Five of those were caused by vehicle collisions.
Conservationists said many of the animals survived in the wild for several years and produced litters before their deaths, with the mortality rate considered successful compared with other wildlife translocation projects.
The team is also working with local authorities and communities to raise awareness of wildcats and explore opportunities for additional road signage.
The milestone comes after NatureScot published a new Scotland’s Wildcat Strategy, which draws on lessons from the Saving Wildcats project to inform future efforts to protect the species.
The long-term aim is to establish a healthy and sustainable wildcat population in Scotland capable of adapting to changing environmental conditions.
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