Britain’s only remaining native cat under critical threat, experts say

Britain’s only remaining native cat is under critical threat from interbreeding with domestic cats, a new report has found.

Scottish wildcat populations have been “severely impacted” by interbreeding, according to new research from Scotland’s nature agency.

NatureScot said it comes as persecution and habitat loss have led to low wildcat population numbers, making them more likely to mate with domestic cats.

The analysis of the genetic health of Scotland’s native wild species, which was led by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh and NatureScot, has provided insight into their ability to adapt and change in response to threats in the natural world.

“The state of Scotland’s native species relies on a healthy genetic diversity within many of the public’s favourite plants, animals and fungi,” NatureScot biodiversity evidence and reporting manager, David O’Brien, said.

“Without the conservation efforts to protect genetic diversity in species like wildcats and ash trees, they will be unable to adapt to threats from non-native species, disease, climate change and pollution.”

First wildcats to be released into the Cairngorms STV News

Action is already being taken to protect Scottish Wildcats.

In October, experts said there is “real hope for the future” of the species as 18 cats were released in the Highlands this year.

It is the third year in a row that wildcats have been released, bringing the total number of animals set free to 46.

Some of the females now living in the wild successfully produced litters in the spring and summer of 2024 and 2025, which experts said provides hope for wildcats.

Ash trees at Cragbank Wood NNR, Forth and Borders Area. Lorne Gill/Scottish Natural Heritage

The new genetic health report from Scottish scientists also revealed that “important and well-loved” tree species are also under critical threat.

While the Scots pine population is only at “moderate risk” from pathogens, climate change and poor regeneration, the European Ash’s health status is listed in the report as “serious, with substantial mortality seeming inevitable”.

The species is severely threatened throughout the UK due to the Ash dieback pathogen, which was first reported in 2012.

The report suggests that promoting natural regeneration of the European Ash is the most effective way of saving it in the long term.

Other species’ health status highlighted within the report include puffin, great yellow bumblebee, and flame shell, which act as reefs for hundreds of other species to live on.

“Genetic diversity is of fundamental importance for nature to thrive and survive,” Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh director of science, Professor Pete Hollingsworth, said.

“Experts from across Scotland, the UK and further afield have worked together to deliver this assessment of genetic risks, providing information to prioritise conservation action.”