Camouflaged within the Highland forests and moors roams a predator, a lonely predator seeking shelter and food amidst thousands of years of persecution, a Scottish icon with a fierce reputation surviving through the most harsh conditions, a mysterious animal known as the Scottish Wildcat. The Decline of the Scottish Wildcat It is said today that there are only 400 pure Scottish wildcats left within the Scottish Highlands, once also populating England and Wales they are now only found in the wilds of Scotland, surviving in only remote areas. The cat is now facing extinction and could be lost … [Read more...] about Scottish Wildcat, The Highland Tiger
Wildlife
Red Deer In The Scottish Highlands
The Red Deer, that lives on the open mountains and moorlands of Scotland, is Britain’s largest wild animal, standing 4ft high at the shoulder. Red deer meat, or Venison, is becoming increasingly popular, the demand for which is being partly met by farmed Deer. Rutting Season The wild female deer, or hind, bears one calf in early summer, for which remains with its mother for at least 2 winters before joining a group, or herd, of its own sex. The sexes live separately except during rutting season which runs from mid September to late October, when the male deer, or stags, will attempt to … [Read more...] about Red Deer In The Scottish Highlands
Pine Martens In Scotland
Pine Martens In Scotland are a very elusive animal and one of Scotland’s best loved creatures, so what do we know about them? The Pine Marten are about the size of a domestic cat and belongs to the weasel family, with long bodies and a dark brown fur blending into a cream coloured throat, they have fairly large eyes and protruding round ears. They are very good climbers with an excellent grip from their strong claws, with a bushed tail ideal for balancing during difficult climbs. They can jump very well from tree to tree with a very acrobatic style almost looking like they are flying. … [Read more...] about Pine Martens In Scotland
Midges In Scotland, How To Avoid Them
Midges in Scotland are one of the first things many tourists mention when on holiday in Scotland. These little beasties can have many people waving their arms in the air or running for safety indoors. But what do we know about the Scottish Midge There are 35 species of midges in Scotland and not all of them bite, in fact only 5 species will actually bite you. The highland midge is the little culprit that gets many of us running around in circles and it will bite you to take blood to enable them to lay eggs and this is why it is actually only the female Midge that bites. The midge will … [Read more...] about Midges In Scotland, How To Avoid Them
My Pine Marten Adventure In Scotland
I have been hoping to see one of these very elusive animals now for many years, but never seem to be in the correct place at the right time, in fact I am sure I have missed glimpses of them and been very close at times, but to this day they have been hiding from me. Since the replanting of many forest of our native trees the chances to see this wonderful animal are much better, and since the 80’s it has been made illegal to kill a Pine Marten. The Pine Marten is a very shy animal and you are only likely to see them at dusk or during the night when they prefer to hunt, they like to hunt … [Read more...] about My Pine Marten Adventure In Scotland
Golden eagle – a National Bird for Scotland
If there's one bird majestic and beautiful enough to gain the title of "National Bird for Scotland" it's probably the Golden Eagle although I personally would think that the Capercaillie would do very well too, and I mean of course the bird, not the great Scottish Band. The RSPB is now launching a petition calling for the Scottish Government to officially recognise the golden eagle as Scotland's national bird. You can show your support by adding your name to the petition on the Government's website via the following url: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/gettinginvolved/petitions/goldeneagle. … [Read more...] about Golden eagle – a National Bird for Scotland
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