Open Country

3PM, RADIO 4

Wildcats used to live in England and Wales, but can now only be found in parts of Scotland. Bigger and stronger than domestic cats, Scottish wildcats have distinctive patterning and longer limbs, and are the UK’s only wild feline. One of the greatest threats to their existence is interbreeding with feral cats, so a scheme is under way in Scotland to locate feral cats and neuter them. David Lindo visits Strathpeffer to hear about an animal that is now rarer than the tiger.