The Wildcats Are NOT Forgotten

 

Again, I need to point out that I have not forgotten wildcats. A lot of fake publicity recently about a 'rescued' wildcat kitten and how only 95 remain in the wild. Even a basioc search tells you how wrong that is.

But along with another naturalist, who happens to be the acquisitions manager for the British Canid Historical Society (BCHS). a lot of headway has been made. We have scoured the literature going as far back as possible based on limited funding and recent events have meant that more is being found out about the wildcats of England, Scotland and Wales.

Perhaps the one find that got me more excited than it should have for a grown man were two Scottish wildcats killed by the famous naturalist-'sportsmen' Colquhoun in the 1830s. There is no over-hype when I state that, historically, these two cats are very significant scientifically and in other ways. Firstly, Colquhoun wasa recognised authority on natural history and especially the fauna of Scotland; if Colquhoun states without a glimmer of a doubt that the two cats were wildcats (F. silvestris) and others saw and agreed that this is what the specimens were then, in 2022 we cannot argue.

The first noticable thing is that these wildcats do not look like the Museum Standard wildcats. In fact, when you see the photographs online and read all that info on wildcats -or even in a museum; ignore it. It is wrong. It is very poorly researched and promotes felicide.

There is so much that needs to be corrected and proves why so many historical events or 'facts' are so inaccurate. Personal prejudices and dogma taught and passed along covers the current knowledge of wildcats.

Not a single local, regional or national museum (one is currently being checked out) has any pre 1900 wildcat specimens which means that the BCHS has, by accident, also got the best examples of early 19th century wildcats.

I have The Red Paper (Canids) 2022 to complete but close on the heels of that will be the Red Paper (Wildcats and Ferals) 2022. Then I hope to retire (I write knowing that there is no such thing!).

All the work requires is proper funding.