
Protected species: wildcats
The Scottish wildcat, a European protected species, is the only native member of the cat family still wild in Britain.
The Scottish wildcat, a European protected species, is the only native member of the cat family still wild in Britain.
There is no change to the protection of European protected species as a result of EU Exit.
The wildcat is a European protected species and is fully protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).
The Scottish Wildcat Conservation Action Plan aims to restore viable populations of the species north of the Highland Boundary Fault. It runs until 2020.
Read the Scottish Wildcat Conservation Action Plan
You can see our summary of offences in relation to this protected species below. For the definitive list of offences, you should consult the actual legislation.
Discover more about the Scottish wildcat.
It is an offence to deliberately or recklessly:
It is also an offence to:
Licensing allows named individuals to carry out actions that could otherwise constitute an offence. If you’re planning any activities that could affect wildcats or the places they use, you must make sure you stay within the law.
Find out about wildcats and licensing.
Learn more about licensing.
Protected species known to occur naturally in Scotland and their protection
Protected Species Advice for Developers: Wildcat
Read our latest news release 'Hugely successful first breeding season for Saving Wildcats project' 22 September 2022
If you already have a licence number, include it in the subject line of your email, or have it to hand when you call.