Could Devon become home to wildcats again?

The Devon Wildlife Trust is conducting a study to look into the possibility of reintroducing wildcats to Devon.

Under the project name The South West Wildcat Project, a detailed discussion of the possibility of reintroducing wildcats to the Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset regions will be conducted.

No release sites have been chosen, and there are no concrete plans to bring wildcats back to these regions.

Once common throughout Britain, the wildcat is a native species that vanished from Wales and England more than a century ago.

The few surviving habitats these wildcats have in Scotland are seriously threatened and critically endangered.

Following the completion of its social and ecological investigations, the feasibility study intends to report by the end of 2024.

As part of the feasibility study into the viability of reintroducing wildcats to the South West, the University of Exeter is surveying the public to find out more about their opinions.

All points of view are accepted.

The South West Wildcat Project survey is available at https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Cath Jeffs is the South West Wildcat Project Officer for Devon Wildlife Trust.

Cath said: “We are very keen to get as many people as possible involved in this project and make their views known on wildcats and their possible reintroduction to the region. All responses are valid and will be fed into the University of Exeter’s research.

“Reintroducing a species is complex and wildcats have been missing for a long time. Education on what a wildcat is and probably more importantly what they are not would be a key component of any reintroduction. Results from this survey would help us understand what the issues and opportunities could be.”

Partnering with the University of Exeter, the project is conducting surveys to gauge public sentiment regarding wildcat reintroduction.

University of Exeter lecturer Roger Auster explained the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts.

He said: “Taking into account the perspectives of local people is vital when assessing whether a reintroduction is possible. We are pleased to provide an opportunity for south west residents to contribute their views, and all opinions are welcome.”