A Scottish wildcat kitten has died at the Highland Wildlife Park.

The wildcat is among the most endangered species in the world and some experts believe there could be fewer than 100 left, making them rarer than the Siberian Tiger.

A total of 17 wildcats have been born in captivity at the park in Kingussie in the last five years, including six in 2015.

One died earlier this year because of a congenital heart defect and another died after leaving the park, it has now emerged.

Royal Zoological Society of Scotland cat conservation officer David Barclay said: "In the last five years there have been 17 wildcat kittens born at the Highland Wildlife Park.

"Of these, two have since died - one after being transferred to another collection and one earlier this year following a routine health check where it was found that it had a congenital defect.

"It is always a sad occasion when any newborn animal doesn't make it but knowing that routine health checks and screenings allow us to address any health issues quickly and effectively is reassuring."

The species was almost hunted to extinction in Britain for their fur and to stop them preying on valuable game birds.

Wildcats are now protected but they remain under threat from cross-breeding with domestic cats.

Highland Wildlife Park is participating in a breeding programme with a number of other conservation groups, including the Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the Caledonian Forest.

Mr Barclay added: "The breeding success rate at the Highland Wildlife Park with Scottish wildcats over the last five years sits at 88%, something that all staff should be proud of.

"However, despite the impressive breeding successes at the park, the wildcat captive studbook and breeding programmes cannot function through one collection alone.

"Instead, it is the collaboration and joint efforts of all Scottish wildcat holders throughout the UK that make it what it is."