BACKGROUND AND AIMS Head keeper of small cats at The Aspinall Foundation, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Kent was appointed in 2007 as the European studbook holder for the captive breeding programme of the Scottish Wild Cat. This species is Britain’s most endangered carnivore and there are just an estimated 500 left in the wild, under threat mainly due to cross breeding with feral domestic cats. The breeding programme is in its infancy but with a track record of success and commitment to such long-term programmes The Aspinall Foundation and Port Lympne Wild Animal Park will be a major contributor to nurturing the Scottish Wild Cat away from its endangered status. The charity already has DNA testing underway, so that stock listed in the stud book can be conclusively identified as pure bloodline for future breeding and the possibility of reintroduction to its natural habitats in the wild. This testing can now identify specific genetic markers and contact has already been initiated with individuals and institutions with cats in their care. The first batch of blood samples has been sent to the Cancer Research Centre, USA for testing endorsed by CITES permits (Convention International Trade in Endangered Species). It is estimated that testing will be done on around 150 cat blood samples. Additional work in conjunction with Prof David MacDonald of the Wildlife Conservation Unit at the University of Oxford is planned with future meetings aiming to establish the protocols for wildlife sampling that would enable a revision of the number of true Scottish Wild Cats still living in the wild. FACILITIES AT PORT LYMPNE WILD ANIMAL PARK We currently have nine Scottish wildcats at Port Lympne. Two came to us in March 2007 and seven more recently, at short notice in October from a private holder in Scotland. We have managed to house them temporarily in existing enclosures, however before the breeding programme is underway, necessary modifications and permanent facilities will need to be established: New enclosures, housing and monitoring equipment. FUNDING This is a project of national value and importance to the future security of a native species. Information on required materials and costs are attached for your information and we ask that the Trustees of The Rothschild Foundation may please consider making a grant donation toward the project. As the programme progresses and research analysed it is likely that additional materials will be required, however the figures shown here are based on the confirmed requisites needed to establish the programme. DNA testing of stud book listed cats @ 150 cats at £10 per test = £1,500 Research and DNA testing of wild cats @ 500 cats at £10 per test = £5,000 Scottish Wild Cat Enclosure No 1 Minimum requirement 10m x 20m to allow for the separation of the pair during breeding. Includes safety porch and shed. Chain link with roof. Show case to replicate wild habitat with plants and rock work. Materials/labour/VAT = £40,000 Scottish Wild Cat Enclosure No 2 Minimum requirement 10m x 20m to allow for the seperation of the pair during breeding. Includes safety porch and shed. Chain link with roof. Show case to replicate wild habitat with plants and rock work. Materials/labour/VAT = £40,000 Monitoring Equipment Minimum requirement of monitor/DVD recorder/wireless cameras/multiplexer/CCTV sender/ receiver units = £650 (this is for the cheapest system. We would like to have funds to purchase higher specification equipment) TOTAL FUNDING REQUIREMENT £87,150