European wildcats could be seen again in England for first time in 100 years

The prospect of European wildcats prowling in south-west England has taken a leap forward after a two-year study concluded a reintroduction was feasible – and most local people were positive about the idea.

Having been absent for more than a century, mid-Devon has been judged to have the right kind of habitat to support a population of Felis silvestris.

The area has the woodland important for providing cover and den sites while its low intensity grasslands and scrubland create good hunting terrain.