The Scottish wildcat is the UK's only remaining large mammal predator.
l It came to Britain over continental land bridge more than 9000 years ago, long before arrival of domestic cats.
l Persecution and deforestation contributed to falling numbers in 18th and 19th centuries, but the biggest threats are hybridisation and road accidents.
l Its coat has well-defined unbroken black and brown stripes on its flanks; its face and jaw are wider and more heavy-set than on a domestic cat; it has distinctive thick, black and brown ringed, blunt-ended tail.
l Females weigh around 3.7kg on average and males 5.3kg.
Feeds on rabbits, hares, voles and mice, though will also eat birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and vegetation.
l Wildcat Haven (www.wildcathaven.co.uk) is thought to be the first of its kind in Europe.
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