Drone-mounted thermal imaging technology has captured remarkable footage of a Scottish wildcat hunting with its kitten.
Just in time for International Cat Day, Forestry and Land Scotland released new footage showing what appears to be a Scottish wildcat hunting alongside its kitten, captured using a thermal imaging drone in what is believed to be a first in Scotland.
The technology, currently being used to survey deer populations in the Angus Glens, managed to spot the critically endangered wildcats hunting among fallen trees during the trial.
The technique involves a drone-mounted thermal camera that can detect well-camouflaged animals in the wild by their heat signature. Once located, the feed can switch to a daylight camera, using a powerful optical zoom to obtain high-quality images of the subject.
By combining the imagery with GIS data, land managers can develop a detailed understanding of wildlife populations, supporting population management activities. In a repeat success, the same techniques were later used to film another potential wildcat in Glen Doll.
The footage from the Angus Glens, considered important for future wildcat research, was captured by contractors BH Wildlife Consultancy, which collaborates with Forestry and Land Scotland.
Ben Harrower, director of BH Wildlife Consultancy, said: “Capturing images of any animal the size of a cat in the wild would be next to impossible without the benefit of the thermal camera, but once you have a target in-frame, it’s easy enough to then track and film them.”
The Forestry service noted that the high-quality images obtained by the drone would enable researchers to assess physical characteristics, helping to determine whether the cats are likely wildcats, hybrids, or feral domestic cats.
While most wildcats found in Scotland are likely hybrids—except for those released into the Cairngorms through the Saving Wildcats project—conservationists operate on the precautionary principle that any suitably marked cats could be wildcats and manage the forests accordingly.
Gareth Ventress, FLS Environment Forester, said: “This footage is really exciting to see and illustrates the potential of this technique in aiding conservation efforts, particularly for critically endangered species.
“We have been working with BH Wildlife Consultancy for about three years on deer surveys, and the results have been phenomenally successful in helping us refine our deer management work. It’s also been useful in helping us build our understanding of feral goats and feral wild boar populations.”
