Leading conservation charity, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, has welcomed the launch of the Scottish Wildcat Conservation Action Plan.
The Scottish wildcat population is in decline and under threat, principally through hybridisation with the domestic cat, but also from habitat loss and disease.
The Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, who launched the six year plan, said: “This is one of the most ambitious conservation plans ever produced in Scotland, and the Scottish Wildcat Conservation Action Group will need every encouragement to succeed.
“In coordinating the plan, Scottish Natural Heritage will work closely with the government and its agencies as well as a wide range of organisations, land managers and indeed householders.”
Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Simon Milne, said: “The Scottish Wildlife Trust welcomes the plan set out by Scottish Natural Heritage.
“It is a landscape-based approach working with landowners, which the Scottish Wildlife Trust feels is the most effective form of conservation.
“Losing the Scottish wildcat would be a real loss for future generations – and the Trust hopes to aid Scottish Natural Heritage in this plan.”