DNA COLLECTION and genetic analysis of native Scottish wildcats is taking place this winter to help guide current and future conservation efforts for the endangered species.

Scottish Wildcat Action and the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland are to take part in a short period of wildcat trapping in three of the project’s five priority areas, focussed on DNA sampling. All cats trapped will also have full disease screening, pelage scoring and genetic testing.

A number of the trapped cats will be fitted with GPS radio tracking collars that will allow researchers to gain a better understanding of how wildcats and feral cats coexist and how this relates to hybridisation. This will be carried out one animal at a time so as to minimise disruption to the animal’s normal routine.

SWA project manager Roo Campbell said: “We are at the stage of the project at which we need firm genetic information on all wildcats left to inform current and future conservation decisions. This information will also give us a clearer view on where population recovery techniques, such as reintroduction, could take place.

“Trapping will allow us to collect samples for DNA and disease screening. The cat will be released immediately."

Dr Kerry Kilshaw from Oxford University is running further research into wildcats and their behaviour by putting temporary GPS radio tracking collars on both wildcats and hybrids to track their movements. She added: “This information will help us hugely in enabling us to protect them in the future by better understanding their home ranges, den sites and how they use the landscape. It will also allow us to monitor the individuals, using live data of where each wildcat is.”