Its thick tail and markings are the wild cat’s distinguishing features, but they can be hard to identify because of cross-breeding with domestic and feral cats.
They tend to live on moorland, rough grazing land and around forest edges. They are protected and are a priority species for conservation action. Relatively little is known about the remaining population in Scotland - but there is a national conservation project currently being undertaken in six priority areas: Morven, Strathpeffer, Strathavon, Straghbogie, Northern Strathspey and the Angus Glens.