Nicki - WordCustard on Squidoo - tells us that Scottish Wildcats are a native British species and is now Scotland's only remaining native feline. Once seen throughout Britain, the last of the Scottish wildcats today are found only in northern Scotland where they were once known as a Symbol of the Highlands.
When I first looked at a picture of the Scottish Wildcat, I thought 'but that's just a Tabby Cat!' While it does look like a domesticated tabby cat, the wildcat is a larger, stocker animal with a broad face that looks rather angry, and a broader tail. It is 'wild in spirit' and can never be tamed.
While there are a few Scottish Wildcats in captivity, in its native settings, the Wildcat is rarely seen by people. It hunts at night and lives in very remote areas. Its preferred habitats are the woodland edge, rough grassland, and the moorland fringe. Therefore, seeing one is a rare privilege. You need to be in an area that holds good prey numbers (rabbits, for instance), around dawn or dusk, and be very quiet & still. And, of course, it helps to be in Scotland!
WordCustard writes about the Scottish Wildcat to bring our attention to the fact that it is now an endangered species. There are many contributing factors, including an unexpected source -- interbreeding with unneutered domestic cats. It is estimated that the wildcat has a population of only about 400 left in the wild. This is rarer than the Bengal Tiger.
Nicki wrote this story with the hope it will help to spread the word about how we can save the Scottish Wildcat. To that end, she has donated 100% of earnings from this lens to Big Cat Rescue. You can also donate directly to the cause of the Scottish Wildcat via the Highland Tiger's Cairngorms Wildcat Project. The Highland Tiger is a website dedicated to the conservation of the Scottish Wildcat. You will find a link to it on Nicki's lens.
Our world cannot afford to lose, forever, any more wildlife species. It is hoped that this beautiful animal, the Scottish Wildcat, will always remain a part of our ecosystem. As the Wildcat Project states, it's time to 'Save the Forgotten Cat'.
Image Credit: Wildcat Contentment 2 card by karenhartswildcats
Pat, that animal does indeed look like a tabby. What a sad day it would be if we lose the species. This was an insightful review of a lens that should have center stage. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for a beautiful review of The Scottish Wildcat! This is the first time my work has been featured on SLR and I'm so glad the lens that was chosen was one that brings attention to the difficulties faced by Felis Sylvestris Grampia (Scottish Wildcat). According to Edinburgh Zoo, it is now one of Britain's rarest mammals.
ReplyDeleteAlways tragic to lose a species, and this beautiful animal is no exception. ...Nicki! Did not know you'd never had a review done here. Congratulations! And many more -- you are a fine writer, you know. ...You too, Pat! Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteOnly 400! Yikes, I hope they can be saved from becoming extinct. How wonderful of Nicki to direct us to helping it. I love the review Pat!
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