Two-year study finds area of woodland in Devon to be ideal habitat to support a controlled release of the creatures
The prospect of European wildcats prowling in south-west England has taken a leap forward after a two-year study concluded a reintroduction was feasible – and most local people were positive about the idea.
Having been absent for more than a century, mid-Devon has been judged to have the right kind of habitat to support a population of Felis silvestris.
The area has the woodland important for providing cover and den sites while its low intensity grasslands and scrubland create good hunting terrain.
According to the study, the wildcats would not be harmful to humans or to farm livestock and pets. It envisages between 40 and 50 animals being released, though not before 2027.
