Scottish wildcat could be extinct 'within two years'

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-22610869


The Scottish wildcat is now one of the world's rarest animals, the scientist said


A scientist who has developed a genetic test to identify pure Scottish wildcats has warned that the species could be extinct within two years.

Dr Paul O'Donoghue said cross breeding with feral and hybrid cats made extinction a certainty unless "urgent" conservation activity took place.

The University of Chester biologist said pure wildcats should be trapped.

He also suggested that private individuals could be keeping the "very best" wildcats as pets.

[dipsydoodle]

1. Problem is

that with the best will in the world preventing inter-breeding is impossible.

Best hope is to capture the thoroughbreds and breed them in captivity.

Conservation site here : http://www.scottishwildcats.co.uk/

[NickB79]

3. Good point. You'd have to remove all feral cats from Scotland

Which is virtually impossible, besides which you'd have animal lovers up in arms.

[happyslug]

2. A sub-species of the European Wildcat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildcat

The biggest difference is Domestic cars are more tolerate of other Cats.