Spatial colonization by feral domestic cats Felis catus of former wildcat Felis silvestris silvestris home ranges

摘要: Presently, wildcatFelis silvestris Schreber, 1777 populations are fragmented and rapidly declining in most of Europe. Although habitat destruction possibly constitutes the serious threat to wildcat survival, hybridisation with feral domestic cats is also a critical problem. However, mechanisms that allow colonise former wild cat home ranges yet unclear. The present paper describes decrease typical phenotypic wildcats increase remote area Portugal (Serra da Malcata). A field survey using box-traps radio-tracking between 1998 2001 revealed were widespread study no present. second camera traps 2005 2007 only one whereas four phenotype individuals photographed. clearly emphasizes need for urgent measures aimed at preserving populations. These should include national census species an extensive monitoring genetic integrity populations, followed by elaboration conservation action plan.