A population of wildcats could be reintroduced in England - with 50 released over time

The wildcat could be making a comeback in the south-west of England, following a two-year study on the region.

The two-year study by the South West Wildcat Project found mid-Devon has enough woodland connected by other habitats suitable to support a population of wildcats.

A reintroduction of Britain's only remaining native cat species would likely see at least 50 wildcats released over a period of time.

The project stated that the region contained sufficient prey and habitat, such as hedgerows, rough grasslands and arable land, as well as a low density of towns and major roads.

Further surveys by the University of Exeter also found significant support for reintroduction, with 71 and 83 per cent of respondents in favour.

Wildcats were present in Exmoor as late as the 1920s, but disappeared due to persecution, hunting and loss of their woodland habitat.

As few as 115 of the critically endangered species remain in the wild in the Highlands.

"It's exciting that this report suggests wildcats could be part of the region's nature once again," said project lead Cath Jeffs from the Devon Wildlife Trust.

"The return of this critically endangered species would be another step in the restoration of our native wildlife and will help re-balance local ecosystems."

The report found they posed no significant risks to existing endangered wildlife populations like bats and hazel dormice, and no threat to people, pets or lambs.

It said poultry could be protected in the same way as from foxes.

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It also advised that any reintroduction project must work with local communities and cat welfare organisations to support a neutering programme in areas where they will be present due to risks of interbreeding with domestic or feral cats, which threaten the species' genetic security.

It also recommends working with communities on education and developing a strong management plan for any issues.

Ms Jeffs also said conversations with farmers and the shooting community would be key.

Devon Wildlife Trust said while there are no immediate plans, it's committed to developing reintroduction schemes alongside partners.

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