Researchers are developing strategies to revive the population of endangered Highland wildcats in Scotland. This involves identifying and eliminating DNA that has been passed down from domestic cats.
Experts have cautioned that the Highland tiger, or wildcat, is at a critical risk of extinction due to extensive reproduction with domestic cats. All individuals now show signs of crossbreeding, resulting in a diminished level of “wildness.”
Using advanced genetics, researchers aim to undo this phenomenon. They will develop detailed genetic profiles for individual animals to identify those with a significant amount of wildcat DNA. These individuals will be bred with other cats with similar genetic backgrounds to establish a new population that has not been influenced by interbreeding with domestic cats. The goal is to reintroduce this population to the Scottish wilderness.
According to Dan Lawson of Bristol University, the procedure is referred to as de-introgression and it involves attempting to undo the genetic mixing similar to unscrambling an egg. He serves as the project’s genomics expert.
“We possess animals with a combination of two different genetic sets. Our goal is to isolate those sets and rebuild the original wildcat population in Scotland.”
Rewording: The task will be challenging, but the rewards will be significant, not only for wildcats, but also for other at-risk species that are facing genetic competition from similar animals.
British domestic cats have their origins in the African wildcat, Felix lybica. They are typically smaller and more sociable than the European wildcat, Felis silvestris, which the Scottish breed is descended from. These cats were introduced to Europe during the spread of agriculture from the Middle East, and by the time of the Roman era, they had become established in Britain.
Research has shown that for centuries, the two species have remained separate with minimal interbreeding. Wildcats tend to avoid humans, while domestic cats view us as somewhat tolerable and sometimes beneficial. However, this separation has diminished due to factors such as habitat loss, car accidents, and the increasing population of domestic cats. As a result, there has been a significant decline in wildcat numbers during the 20th century.
Jo Howard-McCombe, a conservation geneticist at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland in Edinburgh, stated that there were limited hiding spots for the wildcat. As a result, the remaining wildcats began mating with domestic cats that had returned to their feral state, resulting in hybrid offspring.
“During the 1960s, interbreeding between wildcats only occurred once captive populations had been established in Scotland. Therefore, animals placed in zoos and sanctuaries were not significantly impacted by hybridization. Thankfully, conservation efforts were implemented just in time.”
A program called Saving Wildcats was created to restore the population of wildcats, using the ancestors of these animals. This summer, they released 19 animals into a 600 sq km area of the Cairngorms national park, known as Cairngorms Connect.
Equipped with GPS collars, every creature is monitored in order to examine its adaptation to the natural environment and the arrival of winter in Scotland. An additional 40 animals are scheduled to be freed within the next three years.
Helena Parsons, a manager for Saving Wildcats, stated that wildcats rely on rabbits, mice, voles, and sometimes birds and hares for survival. Currently, our cats are thriving, but unfortunately, one has passed away due to an abdominal infection.
In the months of December and January, wildcats mate and give birth to their litters in the spring or early summer. According to Parsons, the cats will not be reproducing next year as they need time to adjust to living in the wild. However, it would be a great outcome if we were to see a few litters. Recent GPS data reveals that some of the cats have crossed paths in the last few months.
According to Parsons, an important aspect of the Saving Wildcats program is to prevent feral and domestic cats from entering the release area. With over 100 camera traps in place, any cat sightings are investigated to determine if it is a domestic cat. If so, efforts are made to locate the owner and inquire about its spaying or neutering status. If the cat is feral, attempts are made to locate it and have it sterilized.
The creatures utilized for the Saving Wildcats initiative were produced at a designated facility, located at the Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie. These animals were sourced from various zoos and wildlife parks throughout Britain. Data from stud books and genetic examinations indicate that they possess significant amounts of wildcat DNA. However, it is important to note that all of them have been impacted to some extent by crossbreeding with domestic cats.
The objective of the de-introgression program is to enhance the presence of wildcat genes by utilizing advanced genomics. However, according to Professor Mark Beaumont from Bristol University, this project will not be a simple or speedy undertaking. He stated, “The concept is to secure funds for monitoring the development of the kittens, which comes with a cost. Sequencing the entire genome of one cat can cost around $200.”
Lawson supported this notion, stating that it would require 10 to 20 generations of deliberate breeding and genetic examination to restore the entire wildcat genome. He informed the Observer that this presents numerous challenges, particularly in terms of funding. However, they are in the process of applying for funds to initiate the project. It should be noted that the breeding program is the final opportunity to preserve the Scottish wildcat.
Source: theguardian.com
