A new-born wildcat kitten is being hand-reared at a wildlife park as conservationists strive to save the critically-endangered species.

Born last month at Wildwood, near Herne, the new arrival is a precious ray of hope for scientists who believe the wildcat could be extinct in less than 10 years.

The species is Britain’s rarest mammal, with less than 400 individuals left in the wild in the UK.

The kitten is one of only a handful in captive breeding, representing what could be the only chance of survival for its kind.

The adoreable little one’s mother, Carna, was born at Wildwood five years ago, while her father RJ is on loan to the park from the British Wildlife Centre.

It has grey and brown fur with dark stripes and will grow to an average of just over half a metre in length and weigh between four and five kilos.

Mother Carna had difficulties looking after her offspring so keepers are operating a 24-hour hour watch, hand-rearing the kitten behind-the-scenes.

Wildwood keeper Sally Barns said: “It been such a privilege to protect this precious wildcat kitten.

“To nurse such an amazing animal and have the honour to protect such a rare creature has been the high point of my career.

“The team have are working around the clock to ensure its survival and we are so proud that she is in excellent health.

“Wildcats are amazing animals and it’s not like a domestic cat.

“As a wild animal they have to grow up fast and our kitten has already got four teeth that can give quite a nip.

“Her claws are well formed and she is already proving quite a handful.

“It’s well known that, although adorable, wildcat kittens can never be tamed and once weaned we will have to return her to the more natural surroundings of her wild enclosure, never to be cuddled again.”

Visitors can see the kitten’s parents but will have to wait a little longer before the new-born will be on show to the public.

Once the kitten has been weaned she will be returned to her enclosure on public view in the park.

Details at www.wildwoodtrust.org.

New-born wildcat being hand-reared at Wildwood