Scottish
Wildcat
During the summer months we have enjoyed being involved in a slightly different project - Scottish wildcats. We worked with Forestry and Land Scotland's Environment Team on a trial to see if it was possible to locate Scottish wildcats in the Angus Glen's using thermal drones. This type of drone work is very experimental and often takes multiple visits, insider knowledge, patience and sometimes just sheer luck of being in the right place at the right time!​
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It is not possible to determine from visual assessment alone whether wildcats are in fact wildcats or are hybrids (offspring as a result of interbreeding between wildcats (Felis silvestris) and domestic cats (Felis catus). Although it is likely the case that most wildcats are hybrids, FLS and BHWC works on the assumption that any cats spotted could be wildcats.
The video above films a Scottish wildcat hunting with her kitten on a clear fell site. The drone is able to film them from afar and does not cause disturbance so you are able to capture their natural behaviour. In this case a mother teaching her kitten how to hunt.
The wildcat is critically endangered and on the verge of extinction in Scotland. Using technology such as thermal drones could be key to monitoring them, undisturbed in the wild. We are proud to be involved in this work with FLS and also sponsor the Saving Wildcats conservation project that is working towards restoring wildcats into the Cairngorms National Park to boost the Scottish population.
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The video above and below show two different cats filmed during the summer. Both are filmed hunting on sites where there are windblown trees. Clearfell and windblow sites are often ideal habitats for wildcats due to the higher densities of rodents present there.
