The Scottish Wildcat: A Look Into The Problems Of Species Conservation

There are over 16,000 species that are currently on the endangered list. Some scientists consider this to be the beginning of the 6th mass extinction event. Regardless of the implications of this morbid age, it is clear that scientists, and the general public as a whole, should have a better understanding of how to protect the many species that humanity has historically endangered. The Scottish Wildcat (Felis silvestris grampia) is an obscure example of one of these species threatened by extinction, however its distinct situation sheds light on an uncommon perspective of the discussion of species-based conservation. 

Like most endangered species, habitat loss and illegal hunting are both common examples of how close proximity to humans is negatively affecting the population health of the wildcats. Surprisingly, these are not the most influential contributors to this species’ endangerment. Feral domestic cats, brought into the area with the urbanization, pose a new conservation threat that is quite unique; it is referred to as species introgression. The true Scottish Wildcat is quickly disappearing into hybridization with feral cats. The populations have become so genetically dilute that very few pure wildcats remain. For conservation, this introduces challenges and perspectives drastically different to most endangered cases. The Scottish Wildcat Conservation Action Plan (SWCAP) is the leading conservative endeavor for this species that seeks to remove the feral threat from wildcat habitats. One of their plans for reducing this hybridization threat is to simply neuter feral cat populations that are in close proximity to the wildcats. Fredriksen writes that this outlook on maintaining a species ends up negatively impacting the individual animals in the process; so much value is placed upon the wildcat that feral cats are then consequently punished in the conservation process (2016). Adding to this conflict is the fact that feral cats and wildcats are close relatives and are difficult to tell apart. Genetic testing can give a rough indication of hybridization, but only within recent generations. Pelage characteristics are often used to distinguish between the various cats. This however, requires a very involved effort in differentiating between wild and feral cats. 

Identifying wildcats is only half the battle, saving them is an entirely new challenge with its own set of obstacles. The SWCAP advocates for neutering and captive breeding, allowing the wildcat species to grow healthily until it can be safely reintroduced to a state of “wild-living”. Ironically, while trying to save the Scottish Wildcat from hybridization, this conservation plan would remove the most biologically and culturally important quality of the animal: its “Scottish Wildness”. Often representative of Scottish heritage, the wildcat would keep its genetics, but lose out on another important aspect of its natural identity.

Fredriksen concludes by saying that the conservation of the wildcat is an illustration of the shortcomings of the conservative perspective (2016). Instead of attempting to save a species by devaluing its relatives and stripping it of its own distinctive natural attributes, conservation efforts should support changing biodiversity, to foster better wildlife growth in Scotland and all other locations challenged by the threat of extinctions. While I do not agree with every point that Fredriksen makes, I do believe it is important for the public to consider these implications of conservation efforts. The Scottish wildcat highlights that this tradeoff between saving genes and saving nature should be kept in mind when considering our interactions with species and ecosystems. Though some of the SWCAP methods are less than efficient and devalue certain aspects of feral and wildcats, the movement as a whole is attempting to support nature in its fight to overcome the obstacles that we have thrown in its way. As more and more animals are brought into similar situations, it is important for all of us to understand the bigger picture of these species’ struggles and how that fits in with the rest of the natural world. Hopefully, regardless of how the SWCAP pursues conservation, it will positively impact nature and our perception of it.

Harris Jackson (Week 1)

Citations:

Fredriksen, A. (2016). Of wildcats and wild cats: Troubling species-based conservation in the Anthropocene. Environment and Planning D: Society and Space, 34(4), 689-705. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0263775815623539.