Aberdeenshire wind farm searching for wildcat expert to protect endangered species

A wind farm in Aberdeenshire is looking for a wildcat expert to help protect the critically endangered species in the local woodland.

Energy company Vattenfall is planning a 14-turbine development near Clashindarroch Forest south-west of Huntly.

Dubbed the Highland tiger, the Scottish wildcat is the only native member of the cat family still found in the wild in Britain.

Its two primary threats are interbreeding (hybridisation) with domestic cats and predator control activities.

Vattenfall’s wildcat project officer would be responsible for creating and improving the species’ habitats in the local area, as well as a overseeing a programme to protect the population and reduce interbreeding with feral domestic cats through a licensed TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release) programme.

Workshops and model dens will be set up in a bid to increase understanding about the animal’s habits and behaviours among the local community.

NatureScot, the public body in charge of looking after Scotland’s natural heritage, will be part of a panel of ecological experts overseeing the role.

Robin Cox, environmental specialist at Vattenfall, said: “We are looking for someone truly passionate about the future of the Scottish wildcat to fill this new role, which will be based locally in and around Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

“We design our wind farms very carefully, not just to reduce carbon emissions but also to help protect and enhance wildlife and nature. By creating new habitats and improving connectivity, the work intends to open up new areas for the Scottish wildcat to roam and breed.”

The job comes amid landmark efforts to save the species from extinction within Scotland.

Habitat loss and persecution has led to the wildcat population to be listed as critically endangered, and they are now largely only found in northern and eastern Scotland.

They have since been given protected status under the UK’s wildlife and countryside act 1981 and have been listed as a priority species since 2007.

Highlands & Islands

Two captive-bred wildcats found dead after release into wild

Two females, Midge and Oats, were discovered shortly after their release into the Cairngorms National Park.

Earlier this year, two captive-bred wildcats were discovered dead after being released into the Cairngorms National Park.

Led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the Saving Wildcats partnership is releasing 60 cats over the next three years into undisclosed locations within the Cairngorms Connect landscape of the national park where they will be carefully monitored using GPS-radio collars.