The Scottish Wildcat

The Scottish wildcat is an endangered species, but conservationist groups are fighting hard for its survival and proliferation, and in the process uncovering more facts about this rarely glimpsed, beautiful mammal. This fascinating book on the wildcat by Dr Clegg reveals: - its inbuilt survival instinct and adaptability - unusual sightings such as wildcats swimming from island to island - a history of the wildcat from prehistoric to the present day - wildcats and the Scottish clans - natural history including breeding and territory - wildcats as medieval vermin or for skins - dens and territorial ranges - in captivity, in literature and folklore - tracking wildcats using trail cameras - latest initiatives to save the wildcat

A mysterious and rarely seen beast, the Scottish Wildcat is Britain's rarest mammal, and one of the most endangered carnivores in the world. Over the centuries, one by one, Britain's most formidable wild animals have fallen to the thoughtless march of humankind. A war on predators put paid to our lynxes, wolves and bears, each hunted relentlessly until the last of them was killed. Only our wildcats lived on. The Scottish wildcat's guile and ferocity are the stuff of legend. No docile pet cat, this, but a cunning and shadowy animal, elusive to the point of invisibility, but utterly fearless when forced to fight for its life. Those who saw one would always remember its beauty – the cloak of dense fur marked with bold tiger stripes, the green-eyed stare and haughty sneer, and the broad, banded tail whisking away into the forest's gloom. Driven to the remnants of Scotland's wilderness, the last few wildcats now face the most insidious danger of all as their domesticated cousins threaten to dilute their genes into oblivion. However, the wildest of cats has friends and goodwill behind it. This book tells the story of how the wildcat of the wildwood became the endangered Scottish wildcat, of how it once lived and lives now, and of how we - its greatest enemy - are now striving to save it in its darkest hour.

The editors utilize their 50 years of combined experience in professional engagement with the behaviour and ecology of wild felids to draw together a unique network of the world's most respected and knowledgeable experts. For the first time, this inter-disciplinary research programme is brought together within a single volume. Beginning with a complete account of all 36 felid species, there follow 8 comprehensive review chapters that span all the topics most relevant to felid conservation science, including evolution and systematics, felid form and function, genetic applications, behavioural ecology, management of species that come into conflict with people and control of international trade in felid species, conservation tools/techniques, ex situ management, and felid diseases. 19 detailed case studies then delve deeply into syntheses of the very best species investigations worldwide, written by all the leading figures in the field. These chapters portray the unique attributes of the wild felids, describe their fascinating (and conflicting) relationship with humans, and create an unparalleled platform for future research and conservation measures. A final chapter analyses the requirements of, and inter-disciplinary approaches to, practical conservation with cutting-edge examples of conservation science and action that go far beyond the cat family.

A rhyming adventure with adorable wildcat kittens and a message about sibling rivalry and teamwork

Lively, colorful, and fun, this educational reader shares an important message for animal lovers and children of all ages about the need for conservation programs to protect large endangered cats.

An integration of ornithological and archaeological evidence on the history, composition and balance of the bird fauna of the British Isles. It provides essential background information for the debate on extinction, conservation and reintroduction.