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A population of wildcats could be reintroduced in England - with 50 released over time
The phased reintroduction aims to restore this native predator to rebalance ecosystems; surveys show up to 83% public support in South West England for the plan.
- The South West Wildcat Project found mid‑Devon has enough woodland connected to other habitats to support wildcats, concluding habitat and local backing now favor reintroduction in parts of England.
- European wildcats once ranged across Britain but vanished from England and Wales due to persecution and habitat loss, with presence in Exmoor into the 1920s and as few as 115 left in the Scottish Highlands.
- University of Exeter surveys found 71% of 1,000 local respondents and 83% of 1,425 online supporters favor wildcat reintroduction, helping control species like grey squirrels.
- Planning will involve phased releases and monitoring as Devon Wildlife Trust and partners including Forestry England and Derek Gow Consultancy have no immediate release plans but aim to secure funding and consult local communities.
- The report warns of hybridisation risks and suggests neutering programmes by local welfare organisations, while the Countryside Alliance and farmers urge robust mitigation to protect poultry, gamebirds and genetic purity.
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After more than two years of study, the South West Wildcat Project Association on Tuesday revealed that about 50 European felines could be welcomed in the southwest of England from 2028.
·Paris, France
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A Population Of Wildcats Could Be Reintroduced In England - With 50 Released Over Time
The two-year study by the South West Wildcat Project found mid-Devon has enough woodland connected by other habitats suitable to support a population of wildcats. A reintroduction of Britain’s only remaining native cat species would likely see at least 50 wildcats released over a period of time. The project stated that the region contained sufficient prey and habitat, such as hedgerows, rough grasslands and arable land, as well as a low density …
Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution88% Center
Bias Distribution
- 88% of the sources are Center
88% Center
12%
C 88%
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