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The Scottish wildcat kitten saving its species from extinction
Last updated at 16:37pm on 25.05.07A rare Scottish wildcat kitten carries the hopes of its species on its tiny shoulders.
The unnamed male kitten was born to two pure bred Scottish wildcats, said to be Britain's rarest mammal, at Wildwood Discovery Park, near Canterbury, Kent.
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The newborn kitten with mother Flora
Its parents, Hamish and Flora, are among only 400 Scottish wildcats left in the world and scientists warn they could become extinct within our lifetime.
Wildcats have been resident in Britain for more than two million years, sharing the land with the mammoth, cave bear and cave lion long before humans found their way through Europe's forests.
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The youngster explores his surroundings
Peter Smith, chief executive of the Wildwood Trust, said that after centuries of persecution, deforestation and competition from introduced species, the numbers of Scottish wildcats plummetted.
He said: "The kitten's birth will help boost the increasingly important captive population in the UK, which could save the species from future extinction.
"The kitten was born earlier this month but it is only now that the proud mother has brought the kitten out to meet the public."
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Mother and son nuzzle together
Originally a forest dweller, the Scottish wildcat is 50 per cent larger than a domestic cat and preys mainly on rodents and small mammals but also on birds, insects, reptiles and fish.
Mr Smith said they live a solitary existence, coming together in pairs to mate for a short period of time in January and February.
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Mother and son stay alert
He added: "With extinction a possibility as soon as this decade, the next few years will be key in deciding whether the Scottish wildcat will survive.
"All wildcat species are endangered for very similar reasons across Europe, Asia and Africa. However, none are as close to extinction as the Scottish form which is Britain's rarest mammal and one of the rarest cats in the world."
The Wildwood Trust is holding a competition to name the kitten, which was born earlier this month.
Reader views (13)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
I just love cats, esp. tabbies.
The Scottish wildcat is the most beautiful of them.
And yes, I am also involved in Clan McChattan.
Long life to the Scottish wildcat.
- Laurent Krauland, Forbach, France
It's great to know that so much is being done to ensure the survival of these cats. I am involved with Clan Mackintosh in New England, USA.
I am very proud to call these cats the symbol of our Clan as well as the root word of my own surname!
- Ray Mchatton, Massachusetts, USA
I think that the possible demise of the Wildcat is a bit premature. There are numerous forrests in Scotland and these cats are by nature very elusive. I have seen this animal and although there is no doubt that the population is relatively small I think (like the Pine Marten ) it is much more common than people think. I certainly hope so as it is a truly magnificent animal and Scotland would be a much poorer place without it.
- Jack Mcallister Brown, Glasgow, Scotland
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