Big Cats Sighted in Rural Gloucestershire!

Dear Reader

It’s too early for an April Fool’s joke. However, the number of sightings of feral big cats is on in the increase. What are the implications on humans, livestock, deer, farming and the countryside in general?

At the Rural Agricultural College we’re undertaking a study into feral big cats, so we’ve decided to run a number of briefings, at which to discuss the issues. Read on to find out how you can get involved. 

Best wishes,

James


Big Cats Sighted in Rural Gloucestershire!

Feral Big Cats – the evidence and the implications

Big Cat Briefing & Discussion at The Rural Skills Centre on 7 March and 21 May 2013

This full day event will give you an overview of the evidence for feral big cats in Britain’s countryside and a chance to consider the issues arising. It’s aimed at anyone with an interest in feral big cats and the resulting human and environmental implications. The aim of the event is to inform your thinking on the topic, rather than formulating any strategies.

We will start by talking about the primary and secondary evidence of feral big cats, including from camera traps, field evidence such as deer kills and droppings, and witness reports. We will also discuss the implications of big cats for people and the environment. After lunch we will hear from different witnesses about what they experienced; you will be able to ask them directly about what they have seen and how they felt. Then we will discuss different issues in small groups, according to your main interests. Topics could include how to get more and better evidence, the status of the cats, how best to study them and learn about their behaviour and the implications of large predators in our ecosystem.

This event costs £95 per person, which includes buffet lunch and tea and coffee throughout the day. Email us to book your place.

A male black leopard here in captivity. 

The black leopard is a main candidate for the black panthers seen in Britain and at least two DNA samples have been identified as leopard.





A puma (also known as cougar and Mountain lion) in its large enclosure in the United States. Around a quarter of the sightings of large cats in Britain describe a cat of the colour, form and scale of a puma.

The Big Cat Study at The Royal Agricultural College

Starting during 2013, our study aims to:

  • Gather primary evidence on feral big cats, especially in and around Gloucestershire
  • Help understand the characteristics of the big cats which are revealed by the evidence
  • Help consider the implications of any feral big cats, raising awareness and helping people become more informed on the topic.

The study is being properly conducted and will use methods such as DNA, tooth pit testing of bones from suspected prey remains, and camera traps, along with close liaison with witnesses and local landowners.

Tooth pit testing of bones from suspected prey of big cats is underway at the Royal Agricultural College, as demonstrated here by Dr Andrew Hemmings.

The process involves casts of dental putty in the tooth impressions left by the predator, and matching the results against different scales and types of carnivore, including leopard and puma size cats. During the workshops Andrew Hemmings will explain the process and the results to date.



Would you like to take part in our study? Do you have some evidence to share? Would you like to receive a copy of our findings?  If so, please get in touch.

The Study has already received sponsorship of 20 camera traps from the electrical store Maplin and the communications company Swann. These motion-detection cameras are the Swann Outback Cam and will be used in agreement with landowners at locations where there has been suspected big cat activity. 



This event will be run by big cat author and researcher, Rick Minter. His 2011 book BIG CATS, Facing Britain’s Wild Predators presents many of the issues and some of the known evidence. 

Rick routinely advises communities, organisations, professional groups and the media on possible feral big cats. He takes a measured approach and tries to help awareness and understanding of the subject.

Commenting on the Big Cat Study, Rick Minter said:
 
"The possibility of big cats living in parts of the British countryside is still a culture shock to some people. However, we've now reached a point where there is some hard evidence and there are regular plausible reports of people's encounters with large felines of various types. Sometimes it is the reactions of people's dogs or horses that indicates a possible big cat in view, and people make their reports with great conviction. There is plenty to hear about and plenty to discuss at these first events on big cats at the Rural Skills Centre." 





News

Looking Further into 2013

More big cats – we will be running tailored big cat events for specific sectors and specific interests later in 2013. Please get in touch for more information.

Course dates

We currently have some places remaining on the following courses, book soon to avoid disappointment as the courses do fill up.

Arboriculture 13  Wood Chippers. 6th February -£150

Arboriculture  15 - Chainsaw CS30 (CS30.1/CS30.2) Maintenance, Operation and Cross Cutting. 30th & 31st January - £430

ATV:  Quad bike - Operation including Implements and Loads. 9th January - £175

Blacksmithing and Ornamental Iron Work - Module 1. 23rd February - £100

Dry Stone Walling Module 1 Introduction. 16th February - £80

FACTS (Fertiliser Advisors Certification and Training Scheme). 11th to 14th Feb (Exams 19th Feb) - £750

First Aid: Emergency First Aid at Work. 16th January - £82

Hedge Laying.  2nd February - £75

Pest Control - Rodent Control. 7th February - £125

Pesticide Application PA1 Safe Use of Pesticides. 30th January - £136.50.

Pesticide Application PA6A Hand Held Applicator. 6th February - £225

Tractors: Introduction. 28th Feb & 1st March - £200

Tractors: Operation & Machine Handling (LANTRA). 14th & 15th Feb - £225

Welding (Module 2) Intermediate Welding and Fabrication. 4 consecutive Tuesday evenings commencing 19th Feb - £155.

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