
Wildcats: licences for possession
NatureScot can issue licences to permit the legal possession of wildcats for scientific, research or educational purposes.
NatureScot can issue licences to permit the legal possession of wildcats for scientific, research or educational purposes.
All wildcats – living and dead – are protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994.
You must have a licence to legally possess a dead wildcat, or part of a dead wildcat, that was collected since June 1994.
NatureScot can issue licences for the possession of wildcats for scientific, research or educational purposes. For a licence to be issued, you must be able to clearly show the scientific or educational purpose.
Such a licence is used to permit, for example:
To apply for a licence to possess a dead wildcat, email [email protected].
You should include:
You should get in touch if you wish to amend a licence. But check your licence conditions first: you may be able to appoint agents and assistants without having to get them named on your licence.
Find out about adding persons to a licence.
You must also remember to contact us to renew your licence. Licences aren’t renewed automatically.
If you already have a licence number, include it in the subject line of your email, or have it to hand when you call.
Licensing Team
Telephone: 01463 725 364
Email: [email protected]