Proof leopards are roaming UK as massive cat consultants make ‘phenomenal’ discovery

Specialist tracker Rhoda Watkins has been investigating the existence of massive cats within the UK for twenty years, and has seen loads of proof out within the subject – from leopard footprints to bones hacked by puma enamel.

But up till now, there was no DNA proof of massive cats roaming the British countryside – that was till Rhoda’s staff not too long ago discovered irrefutable proof of a leopard within the countryside close to Gloucestershire.

“I’ve been investigating sightings for 20 years now and there is been a whole lot of trackers earlier than me. I’ve seen loads of proof out within the subject. But this DNA discover completely, conclusively proves it. It’s what we have been in search of,” Rhoda informed the Mirror of the leopard hair they discovered caught on a farmer’s fence.

The farmer led the staff in the fitting route after reporting a spate of mysterious sheep maulings. “One of the staff members discovered the DNA proof. A farmer had a few sheep killed and we have been known as to analyze,” Rhoda defined. “Carl Marshall took on the position of tracker and located a hair on the fence. It turned out to be a leopard, which is simply phenomenal.”

On Big Cat Britain Declassified, a brand new feature-length documentary that airs later this week, Rhoda and her fellow trackers make a ‘phenomenal’ discovery. They have been ready to make use of Environmental DNA (eDNA) to show that it was a leopard within the farmer’s subject. “Technology has caught up now and eNDA will allow us to see whether or not massive cats have been in a location beforehand, from a pattern of filth the place a cat sat down, to a little bit puddle {that a} cat drank water from,” she defined. “Particularly on kills, so if we have wool from a sheep that has been killed, we will run that via the eDNA course of.

“Drone know-how has additionally moved on, so with thermal drones and infrared capability, we will take a look at evening and search greater areas, whereas earlier than we have been simply utilizing our eyes.” Explaining what she seems for in a subject expedition, Rhoda stated: “I search for any proof that an animal has left behind within the atmosphere. Tracking is a science and I’m in search of information. I have to see definitive proof that comes from hairs, footprints, feeding indicators, fur or kills, faeces and scat.”

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act that got here in throughout 1976 carried out far more stringent tips for individuals to maintain unique pets at home, and they also have been launched into the countryside, Rhoda defined. “We suppose just about each massive cat within the UK is the results of an escapee. It was highly regarded previously to have unique massive cats as pets,” she stated. “We’re unsure whether or not these cats have bred or whether or not it is continued escapees that is given us a inhabitants of massive cats right now.”

It is unknown what number of massive cats are presently roaming Britain, although Rhoda estimates between 100 and 200. “We see a whole lot of massive black cat sightings. A black panther has all the time been a very well-liked unique animal within the UK, versus colored leopards,” she stated. “Mountain lions, so sand-coloured pumas, appear to be well-liked too. There are hybrid cats on the market as effectively, the likes of Savannah cats and Bengal cats.”

Reports of massive cat sightings are available in from throughout the nation, although Rhoda defined that areas with massive forests are frequent locations. “They are very widespread. The Forest of Dean, the New Forest and the Moors are actually frequent,” she stated. “They have been massive, vast open-space areas the place individuals thought these cats may survive in the event that they allow them to go. So it tends to be concentrated round these areas, however cats have such big territories that they do unfold out and search for one another as effectively.”

Sightings of massive cats have elevated in recent years, however Rhoda stated that it is as a result of the general public feels extra snug to speak about it now. “I do not suppose there’s any extra cats on the market than there was previously, however undoubtedly heaps extra experiences,” she defined. “There are only a few experiences of individuals really getting near them and I’ve by no means heard of any assaults. Unless you walked up and trod on its cub, you are unlikely to have any confrontation with a cat.”

You might really feel alarmed for those who spot a leopard whereas out on an earthly canine walk, however Rhoda stated we don’t have to be scared. “Obviously they’re armed with enamel and claws, they usually’re pretty massive animals. They will defend younger and their territories to some extent, however they’re additionally extraordinarily shy and excellent at hiding,” she defined. “You can just about guarantee that for those who’ve seen an enormous cat, it is seen you first and it is most likely transferring away from you and does not need confrontation with a human until it has to.”

If you do see an enormous cat, Rhoda advises taking pictures and reporting your sighting to Rick Minter, who runs Big Cat Conversations podcast. “Absolutely attempt to file proof, take {a photograph} and video footage earlier than it disappears. Be a tracker, it is an innate talent in all of us. Be courageous and as soon as it is moved on, take a look for footprints or hair which you can {photograph} or choose up,” Rhoda stated.

She added: “We are missing apex predators that we used to have, let’s not overlook that massive cats was current within the UK. Think about it from a wider perspective, about how good they’re for the atmosphere. They hold rabbit and deer populations beneath management, which is damaging to a lot of flora and different animal species. Big cats have a spot in our ecosystem and we must always shield them.”

Join BLAZE TV every evening this week for model new premiers of Bigfoot, massive cats and American werewolves. Big Cat Britain Declassified airs on September 3 at 8pm on Freeview 64, Freesat 162, Sky 164 and Virgin Media 174.

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