Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has welcomed a new Scottish Wildcat Action Plan but has asked whether more vigorous measures could be adopted to protect and sustain the existence of the “Highland Tiger” in Scotland
Today, the Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse will launch a 6-year action plan aimed at conserving wildcats, by trapping, neutering and vaccinating feral cats and hybrids; a tentative conservation breeding programme will also be developed.
The pure-bred Scottish Wildcat is considered one of the world’s rarest species, some estimates claim that there are only 35 purebred cats left in the wild.
Commenting on the Action Plan Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Last year I hosted a Members Business Debate in the Scottish Parliament on endangered species in Scotland, with particular focus on the fate of the wildcat.
“During that debate I lent my voice to calls to introduce an extensive captive breeding programme, therefore I am glad to see action on these proposals.
“However, such is the current state of the wildcat I would like to see captive breeding lead a more central role in the new action plan.
“The Cairngorms Wildcat Project, which ended in March 2012, contained many of the same elements as the new action plan. If we are to save one of Scotland’s oldest and beloved species we must be decisive and enterprising in our efforts.”