Another dire warning was dealt to the future of the purebred Scottish Wildcat by Dr Paul O'Donoghue today. The scientist who has developed a genetic test to identify pure Scottish wildcats has warned that the species could be extinct within two years.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, a long term wildcat supporter, has suggested that the Scottish Government reassess its current wildcat conservation strategies and places more urgency in the captive breeding and storage of frozen gamete policies.
Dr O’Donoghue said:
"Our research shows that the plight of the wildcat is now so serious that unless urgent and targeted conservation activities take place, its extinction due to hybridisation is a certainty. Unless decisive action is taken, the wildcat could be declared extinct with the next 12 to 24 months."
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Previously, the Scottish Government, in a written parliamentary answer, intimated that they were ‘considering’ implementing a captive breeding programme as well as the storage of frozen purebred wildcat gamete cells. I believe that the time for studies and piecemeal measures is over; we need concerted direct action in order to save one of the world’s rarest animals and that means extensive captive breeding.
“Various conservation charities have worked tirelessly to save the purebred wildcat but now we need the Scottish Government to take a more proactive hands on approach, and that includes identifying sites where captive breeding could be held.
“It would be a tragedy to lose the purebred Scottish Wildcat in 2013 considering this is the year of natural Scotland.”