IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Sliwa, A.; Wilson, B.; Lamberski, N.; Lawrenz, A. | |
| Report on surveying and catching Black-footed cats (_Felis nigripes_) on Nuwejaarsfontein Farm / Benfontein Nature Reserve 9-19 November 2009 | |
| Full Book | |
Valuable data on censusing and catching black-footed cats have been collected again on this short trip on Benfontein Nature Reserve, where the species was intensively studied between 1992 -1998. Only two cats were seen or captured and collared during the 4 nights of spotting. The spotting frequency was similar to the previous field trips. The sighting frequencies between the two study areas during this trip were the same, with one cat sighted every second night of spotting. We assume that the chance of detection was similar between the two sites as both have open habitats with good visibility. As in previous years on Benfontein we recorded numerous black-backed jackals, while with certainty only one on Nuwejaarsfontein. In addition we observed a reproducing caracal female, with 3 large cubs during this trip. High numbers of both black-backed jackal and caracal may negatively affect black-footed cats densities on Benfontein and may force them to alter their ranging behaviour. We now have quite different conditions in this regard between the two study sites. Strangely, during this trip we did not record African wildcats at Nuwejaarsfontein, in contrast to the 3 different individuals seen in February, which may well benefit the black-footed cats through diminishing competition with this larger felid. Due to the short time period we spent on Benfontein we will not be able to make a reasonable judgement of the population. There are certainly more than two black-footed cats on Benfontein. The capture of a new and reproducing female is most encouraging. Although she is located close to the N8 highway to Bloemfontein further location records will indicate whether or not she risks crossing this busy road. Altogether the trip was very successful, with the capture rate similar to the capture successes obtained during previous field trips. We now also have the secure establishment of a second comparative study area in the Karoo. We continued with our decision to radio-collar any captured cat that was large enough (> 1 kg) in order to get repeated biological samples during future trips and allowing for the comparison of home ranges to the sizes estimated by Sliwa (2004). |
|
 |
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) |