Non-invasive monitoring of the European wildcat ( Felis silvestris silvestris Schreber, 1777): comparative analysis of three different monitoring techniques and evaluation of their integration

摘要: The European wildcat is threatened by habitat fragmentation, illegal or incidental killings and hybridization with free-ranging domestic cats. Conservation projects should be based on a sound knowledge of the patterns distribution, population size dynamics. However, this information scanty, mainly because species’ elusive behaviour. In study, we tested efficiency protocol that integrates use non-invasive genetic identifications camera trapping for monitoring. field work was carried out in Foreste Casentinesi National Park, protected area central Italian Apennines, where presence has been recently ascertained. DNA samples were extracted from scats collected during survey hair tufts trapped valerian-treated sticks. Individual genotypes identified using 10 autosomal microsatellites, mtDNA Y chromosome markers. Additionally, obtained 30-s long video clips 20 trap stations associated to traps. Our results confirmed wildcats study area. We six nine individuals (respectively sampling survey). Some these showed anomalous coat colour (one) signatures (three). further five cats sharing parts wildcats’ territories. found individual variations response valerian lure. compared evaluated pros cons monitoring methods. concluded that, if used simultaneously, methods may considerably increase detection quality data.