The importance of small-scale structures in an agriculturally dominated landscape for the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) in central Europe and implications for its conservation

摘要: Abstract The European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is a threatened and elusive species that was previously considered to be forest-bound in central Europe. For the first time, we caught radio-collared wildcats outside heavily forested habitats investigate their habitat utilization pattern. We used generalized linear modelling framework test our hypotheses sex season influence selection addition variables. Our results reveal gender difference selection: Females were more restricted areal shelter avoided areas near roads than did males. Males such as watercourses or hedges proximity settlements females. probability of occurrence far from higher summer winter, probably due high coverage provided by crops. same pattern applied roads. concluded are one key factors for agriculturally dominated landscapes. recommend management strategy enhances structural heterogeneity agricultural landscape conserving small-scale structures copses, wide field margins. Other species, gray-partridge (Perdix perdix) common quail (Coturnix corturnix), can also benefit these recommendations. Additionally, this simultaneously creates connectivity.