Revealing the origin of wildcat reappearance after presumed long-term absence

摘要: Following severe population decline and local extinction due to massive habitat destruction persecution, wildcats have recently reappeared in several parts of Germany’s low mountain region. It remains unknown how this reemergence occurred, specifically if populations been overlooked at densities or the species has successfully spread across highly fragmented anthropogenic landscape. In central German Rhon Mountains, for instance, were believed be extinct during most twentieth century, however, was detected subsequent genetic monitoring found presence a sizeable population. study, we used microsatellite SNP genotypes from 146 wildcat individuals 2008 2017 ~ 15,000 km2 area region understand re-establishment Bayesian clustering analyses revealed that animals Mountains appear mix two adjacent North South area, suggesting recent range expansion different directions. Both meet Biosphere Reserve, leading an admixture northern, autochthonous, southern reintroduced While cannot completely exclude possibility undetected persistence, high homogeneity lack any signatures past favor scenario natural expansion. Our findings thus suggest are well capable rapid richly structured landscape mosaics consisting open land, settlements, forest patches document potential non-invasive sampling when aiming reconstruct complex dynamics wildlife.