Rural Payments and Services

The aim of this option is to benefit Scottish wildcat by undertaking legal predator control using methods that reduce the risks to the Scottish wildcat.

The wildcat conservation protocol recommends methods that allow wildcats to be identified and released unharmed.

Any land that is within a priority wildcat area is eligible.

It may be possible to apply for this option outside this area if your land is within or adjacent to the Cairngorms Connect area, where there is strong justification as endorsed by NatureScot.

You can check if this option is available on your holding using the search targeting tool which can be found on any of the following AECS guidance pages:

AECS Home

Eligibility

How to Apply

Management Options and Capital Items

Capital Items

You must prepare and submit for approval a wildcat friendly predator control plan detailing the proposed timing, the type and number of traps to be used. It must also detail the personal identification number of the person operating the traps, and identify the proposed trap locations on a map.

• you must purchase the approved number of traps and / or cameras by 1 June of the first year of your contract
• you must monitor for the presence of wildcats on your land by setting and operating camera traps during the times, and in the locations detailed in your predator control plan. Photographs of suspected wildcats must be submitted to the NatureScot Mammals Advisor.
• you must set and operate live catch large mammal traps during the times detailed in your predator control plan
• you must maintain a diary of the activity undertaken, including the current location of traps and dates that traps are set or unset
• you must submit a report each year of the activity undertaken (including photographs)

You can claim £140 per trap operated, per year, up to a maximum of 20 mammal traps and 20 camera traps per contract.

The inspectors will check for:

• you have purchased the approved number of traps and / or cameras by 1 June of the first year of your contract
• you have monitored for the presence of wildcats on your land by setting and operating camera traps during the times, and in the locations detailed in your predator control plan. Photographs of suspected wildcats have been submitted to the NatureScot Mammals Advisor
• you have set and operated live catch large mammal traps during the times detailed in your predator control plan
• you have maintained a diary of the activity undertaken, including the current location of traps and dates that traps are set or unset
• you have submitted a report each year of the activity undertaken (including photographs)

Supporting guidance is available for this option.

Section	Change
Spatial Targetting	Added text stating it may be possible to apply for this option outside this area if your land is within or adjacent to the Cairngorms Connect area, where there is strong justification as endorsed by NatureScot.
Management requirements and Inspections	Revised text to state photographs of suspected wildcats must be submitted to the NatureScot Mammal Advisor.

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