A preliminary feasibility assessment for the reintroduction of the European wildcat to England and Wales

This report constitutes a preliminary assessment of the biological feasibility of reintroducing the European wildcat to regions of England and Wales. This was done by modelling and mapping potentially suitable wildcat habitat across England and Wales in the first instance, and by identifying the range of potential risk factors that may negatively impact a wildcat reintroduction. 

Wright, P.G.R. et al. (2018). Application of a novel molecular method to age free-living wild Bechstein’s bats

This paper presents a DNA methylation method to assess ages of bats.

Sainsbury, K. et al. (2018). Long-term increase in secondary exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides in European polecats Mustela putorius in Great Britain

This paper presents the results of analyses of polecat livers collected from road casualties for residues of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides.

Croose, E. et al. (2016). Den boxes as a tool for pine marten conservation and population monitoring

This paper presents the results on the provision and occupancy of pine marten den boxes in Galloway Forest, Scotland. 50 den boxes were installed in order to increase the availability and diversity of suitable den sites for breeding female martens and aid monitoring of the marten population. A proportion of the boxes was occupied by martens every year and the boxes were used by breeding females to raise their young.

Croose, E. (2016) The Distribution and Status of the Polecat (Mustela putorius) in Britain 2014-2015

Polecat distribution surveys at ten-year intervals have been recommended in order to monitor changes in polecat distribution. The aim of this survey was to gather up-to-date information on the distribution of polecats and polecat-ferrets during the period 2014-2015.

Banner photo: ©Nikki Charlton

Behaviour in Focus – Polecat

VWT’s Mustelid Conservation Officer, Lizzie Croose, gives an expert briefing on the polecat for BBC Wildlife Magazine.

MacPherson, J. (2014). Feasibility Assessment for Reinforcing Pine Martens in England and Wales

Successful translocations of pine martens to recently and historically occupied suitable habitat could be a major proactive step towards improving the conservation status and genetic diversity of the pine marten in England and Wales. This report provides an initial assessment of the feasibility of undertaking translocations to reinforce existing populations that have failed to recover naturally.

Feasibility Assessment for Reinforcing Pine Marten Numbers in England and Wales (Executive Summary)

Successful translocations of pine marten to recently and historically occupied suitable habitat could be a major proactive step towards improving the conservation status and genetic diversity of pine marten in England and Wales. The full report provides an initial assessment of the feasibility of undertaking translocations to reinforce existing populations that have failed to recover naturally.

The Polecat

The polecat is a native British mammal and is widespread in western Europe. The polecat belongs to the weasel family, the Mustelidae, comprising over 60 species of badgers, otters, skunks, martens, mink, ferrets, stoats and weasels. Like many in this family, the polecat has a long body with short legs. It is generally dark in colour, especially on its chest, legs and tail that are covered in near-black fur.

Polecats and Ferrets: How to tell them apart

This leaflet gives the key distinguishing characters that separate polecats, ferrets and their hybrids. Given their close relationship, it is not surprising that it may be very difficult to distinguish them in the field. Reliable ways of telling polecats and ferrets apart is from close examination of the pelage and skull of a specimen and analysis of mitochondrial DNA.