Scottish Wildcat Survey and Wildcat Haven
Scottish Wildcat Surveys
Adrian has developed an extensive knowledge of Scottish Wildcats with over 8 years study and research on this elusive and rare cat including the publication "The Scottish Wildcat Survey 2006-2008 for Scottish Natural Heritage 2010". This has culminated in work for the Scottish Wildcat Association www.scottishwildcats.co.uk on the Wildcat Haven project in Lochaber. He is currently undertaking wildcat surveys using field signs of cats throughout Scotland using previous sighting and field sign records and with the help of remote cameras.
Development and wildcats
Adrian also undertakes wildcat surveys for development impact assessment so that this species is screened and scoped in any development which may impact on their range and territory. It is an offence to disturb or damage the den of a wildcat.
There is a legal requirement to assess wildcats in any development where they occur. However wildcats are among the most elusive animals to track and observe in the field and little is known about their behaviour and interaction with other cats. There is also great difficulty in distinguishing wildcats from hybrid cats. Therefore great skill is required in tracking, monitoring and determining wildcat sites and territories as well as identification of their den sites. SNH also offer advice on wildcats www.snh.gov.uk as part of their Species Action Framework but there are few surveyors with wildcat tracking and assessment knowledge in Scotland.
Wildcat Haven
The Wildcat Haven Project aims to conserve and protect Scottish Wildcats by controlling the numbers of feral and domestic cats and securing management that favours Scottish WIldcats. Domesticated and feral cats introduced by man can hybridise with wildcatsdiluting the pure wildcat gene pool and they may also pass on disease which threatens the survival of the small populations of wildcats that remain. For more information on the project please email wildcat.haven@yahoo.co.uk
Adrian Davis
Naiad Environmental Consultancy
Birnam Guest House
4 Murthly Terrace
Birnam Dunkeld
Perthshire
PH80BG
Tel 01350 727201 or Mob 07761673231