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Tourenq, C.; Coleman, L.
The cat and the tree: a desert tale
2011 Cat News (54): 20-21
Because of its ability to interbreed with domestic cats wildcat Felis silvestris spp. taxonomic status is still unclear in the Arabian Peninsula and the United Arab Emirates UAE in particular. Other than genetic pollution recognised threats are: introduction of disease by feral cats, foxes' persecution by poisoning and trapping, and road kills due to the developing road infrastructure of the country. Basic information on the species ecology and behaviour in the region is sparse. Using the report of the use of a trunk cavity of a native Ghaf Prosopis cinerea as a resting place for a wildcat, we highlight the importance of preserving such habitat for desert wildlife. As part of the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) programme of Work, the production of an official National Red List of endangered species is a necessary step to clarify the conservation status of the wildcat in the UAE and propose relevant conservation actions.
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