IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Hobson, K.J. | |
| An investigation into prey selection in the Scottish wildcat (_Felis silvestris silvestris_) | |
| 2012 Full Book | |
The Scottish wildcat (_Felis silvestris silvestris_) is the only native felid species still present in Britain. The species faces numerous threats including direct persecution, habitat loss, and risk of hybridisation and introgression with the domestic cat (_Felis catus_). The current population is estimated to be as low as 400 individuals combined with concern over the genetic purity of the Scottish wildcat could lead to the species being re-classified as Critically Endangered. To enable species recovery efforts must be made to reduce the risk of hybridisation with the domestic cat, and facilitate the species to re-establish its former range. This requires up-to-date information on habitat and prey requirements of the species in order to inform management decisions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between prey availability and consumption in the Scottish wildcat, in order to elucidate which prey species are being selected. A total of 30 scat samples were collected from three sites located on FCS land throughout Scotland. Prey remains were identified to the following prey types; Microtinae, Murinae, avian and lagomorph species and 5 scat analysis techniques were applied to determine the most frequent and important prey type within the diet. Prey availability was assessed through small mammal trapping and rabbit latrine count surveys in the dominant habitats at each site. Mark recapture techniques were applied to the small mammal data to estimate abundance and derive density estimates of prey species at each site. This information was then used to test for prey selectivity in the wild-living cat population. All scat analysis techniques found Microtinae species to be the most consumed prey type across all sites. Murinae species were the most abundant species at the east coast sites whereas Microtinae were most abundant at the west coast site. Rabbit populations were either absent or low at all study sites. A significant selection on any prey type was not found, however wild-living cats did not consume the species found in the highest abundance, suggesting some level of selectivity. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |