Efforts to save the north-east’s critically-endangered wildcat population have been thrown into turmoil by thefts and vandalism.
Stunned staff from Scottish Wildcat Action made a routine visit to the feline’s heartland of Clashindarroch Forest near Huntly to find that their monitoring equipment had been stolen and badly damaged.
It had been installed as part of the UK’s largest-ever scientific study into the species, tracking the animals throughout the area over the winter months.
Thieves took several of the trail cameras which were in place to follow wildcat activity and contained vital research gathered by close to 50 volunteers.
A cage trap, which is used to humanely capture the cats to neuter them or screen their health, was also all but destroyed.
When the damage was carried out is uncertain, but it is thought the vandals struck sometime between March 1 and March 27.
Roo Campbell from Scottish Wildcat Action said: “The work we are doing is about the preservation of wildcats and this makes us less able to do it.
“The loser in all of this is the wildcat.
“The people behind this may have damaged vital conservation work for a critically-endangered species.
“Is that something they want on their consciences?”
Scottish Wildcat Action is now facing a bill for hundreds of pounds to repair the damage and replace the stolen equipment.
After the news broke yesterday, the organisation was inundated with offers of help.
“Off the back of this, we have had quite a lot of support from the public,” Mr Campbell said.
“People are offering to donate to the project and help us replace the equipment.
“It shows us that the public are really behind the conservation work and gives us hope that our project will succeed.”
Police in Huntly said: “We are investigating this matter and would urge anyone who has information to contact us.”
Anyone with information about the thefts and vandalism is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
