Importance of scrub-pastureland mosaics for wild-living cats occurrence in a Mediterranean area: implications for the conservation of the wildcat (Felis silvestris)

摘要: The European wildcat (Felis silvestris) is a threatened species in Europe. Suitable management of forests has been considered crucial for its conservation However, this recommendation may not be general due to the lack studies that test these hypotheses Mediterranean area, where landscapes are very different from those central-north In study, wild-living cat habitat associations were analyzed by means scat surveys 78 areas distributed four main vegetation types area central Spain, feral populations probably scarce and restricted. Results show higher occurrences cats covered scrub–pastureland mosaics rather than forests. Several applied recommendations given: (1) include as protected habitats wildcats; (2) encourage further about importance other areas; (3) avoid extensive scrubland removal associated with practices against fires or infrastructure development; (4) promote land enhance mosaics, use shrub reforestation programmes founded Agricultural Policy.