Wildcat Populations Research Articles

Age determination of the wildcat (Felis silvestris): a case study of a sample from the North-Western Black Sea region (Ukraine)

In recent decades, the wildcat (Felis silvestris) population has been increasing along the eastern edge of its range in Ukraine, associated with the recolonisation of territories previously inhabited by the species. An essential aspect of analysing this process is studying population dynamics, including sex and age structures. Knowing the individual age of animals is a crucial prerequisite for investigating many aspects of their life cycle and population dynamics. This information is particularly important for Felis silvestris, a rare species included in international and national lists of protected animals, for the conservation and management of its populations. This necessitates the verification of age determination methods in specific Felis silvestris populations, particularly in the south-western regions of Ukraine. To determine the age of wildcats, we employed both traditional, non-invasive methods—such as analysing suture obliteration and dental morphometric characters—and methods requiring partial tooth destruction, such as studying changes in dentin volume and cementum in the root of the canines. Cementochronology was found to be the only method allowing the wildcat population to be divided into seven year classes. Cement deposition primarily occurs at the apical tip of the canine root, allowing the use of only the lower third of the tooth for analysis. This is particularly important when working with collection materials of rare species. In the first year of life (0+), dentin fills no more than 20% of the pulp cavity width. In subsequent year classes, dentin deposition occupies at least 70% of the pulp cavity volume, enabling a clear division of the wildcat population into two groups: young (0+) and older individuals. The distance between the enamel at the neck of the canine and the edge of its alveolus is an effective tool for distinguishing young and adult individuals. The analysis of alveolar recession relative to the neck enamel can be considered a promising method for determining age groups in wildcats, including both deceased and living individuals. The use of basicranial sutures of the skull was found to be less informative: the sutures at the skull base ossify late, while the obliteration between the maxilla and premaxilla in the nasal area is only partially expressed.

Living on the edge: detections and activity pattern of wildcats (Felis silvestris) and domestic cats (Felis catus) by camera trapping in areas of low wildcat population density

Living on the edge: detections and activity pattern of wildcats (Felis silvestris) and domestic cats (Felis catus) by camera trapping in areas of low wildcat population density

Situación del gato montés europeo (Felis silvestris) en la provincia de Cádiz

The situation of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in the Iberian Peninsula differs between the northern populations, mostly healthy, and the centre-southern populations, with mainly regressive trends or scarcely known situations. Cádiz province is one of these zones where the species situation is little known. Therefore, we aimed with this work to assess the situation of the European wildcat in the province of Cádiz, through the study focussed on public and private estates in the natural parks of Los Alcornocales and Sierra de Grazalema. We employed several methodologies to detect the species: 1) camera-trapping (240 camera with attractants), 2) information of historical records by searching the bibliography and on the internet, 3) a questionnaire to environmental rangers (Agentes de Medio Ambiente) of the whole province on the presence of wildcat and other mesocarnivores, and 4) data on road kills of carnivores occurring on provincial roads. During the five years of study (2018-2023) we obtained 5,184 independent records of mesocarnivores from camera-trapping, including eight wild and one domestic species, but no wildcat records. The most recent reliable records found corresponded to year 2000, in agreement with the results from the questionnaire to environmental rangers. We did neither find road kill records of the species on provincial roads during the last three years. According to the results from the different methodologies, we conclude that the Cádiz wildcat population could either be already extinct or close to extinction.

Ectoparasites of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in Germany

Understanding the impact of parasites on wildlife populations is an important aspect of conservation management. However, research on ectoparasites in wildlife can be difficult, as examinations of live animals which are not habituated to human handling are often impossible. The European wildcat (Felis silvestris) is a strictly protected wildlife species whose population has been recovering in Germany in recent decades. Several studies from different European countries have investigated the parasitological status of European wildcat populations. However, most of these studies assessed endoparasite infections, whereas ectoparasite infestations have often been neglected. To fill this knowledge gap for wildcats in Germany, 131 dead found specimens were examined for ectoparasites by macroscopic and microscopic examination of the fur and the ear canals. Infestation with ectoparasites was present in 84.0% (110/131) of the wildcats. Ticks showed the highest prevalence with 72.5% (95/131) of wildcats infested, with 49.6% (65/131) infested with Ixodes ricinus and 36.6% (48/131) with Ixodes hexagonus/canisuga. A total of 27.5% (36/131) of the wildcats were positive for at least one flea species. Of the nine different flea species identified by morphology and/or molecular analyses, Ceratophyllidae were most common (16.8% [22/131]), with Ceratophyllus sciurorum confirmed on 12.2% (16/131) and Nosopsyllus fasciatus on 1.5% (2/131) animals, followed by Pulex irritans (5.3% [7/131]), Spilopsyllus cuniculi (3.8% [5/131]), Chaetopsylla spp. (3.1% [4/131]) (2/131 Chaetopsylla trichosa and 1/131 Chaetopsylla globiceps), Ctenocephalides felis (1.5% [2/131]), Archaeopsylla erinacei (1.5% [2/131]) and Ctenophthalmus baeticus (0.8% [1/131]). Further, 23.7% (31/131) of the wildcats harboured mites, identified as Trombicula autumnalis in 12.2% (16/131) and Otodectes cynotis in 4.8% (6/124) of cases. The only louse species detected was Felicola hercynianus with a prevalence of 2.3% (3/131). Infestation intensities ranged from 1 to 86 ticks, 1–49 fleas, 1–1896 mites, and 1–92 F. hercynianus per wildcat. This study demonstrates that a variety of ectoparasites infests wildcats in Germany, but they do not seem to have a serious impact on the general health of wildcats, as judged by the hosts' mostly good or very good nutritional condition. In addition, the potential risk to domestic cats (Felis catus) and humans posed by the wildcats’ ectoparasites, appears to be low but present.

Use of lure sticks for non‐invasive genetic sampling of European wildcat populations: lessons learnt and hints for future insights

Abstract Non‐invasive genetic sampling is an increasingly common approach in wildlife research. It allows the gathering of first‐hand data on wild mammalian populations without capturing or handling individuals. For this reason, it has proved to be particularly useful when applied to elusive species living at low population densities and/or hard to identify in the field. The European wildcat represents an interesting case study in this respect. Several papers have been produced in the last decades, in which non‐invasive genetic sampling has been applied. Nevertheless, evidence from different case studies presents a complex scenario, where the efficiency of the method can vary considerably. This paper aimed to analyse possible interpretations of such differences and to identify potential drivers and barriers. 20 papers on the subject have been reviewed and compared, although differences in several details reported in the examined papers limited an in‐depth comparison. The review showed that the overlap of the study period with the reproductive season does not affect the final results of lure stick hair sampling research on the European wildcat. Moreover, valerian lure sticks generally provided positive results in the Continental ecoregion, whereas, in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions, outcomes were absent or very scarce. Most of the other working hypotheses remain still plausible, despite not yet being definitely provable. Setting up future wildcat monitoring schemes based on effective non‐invasive genetic sampling in different biogeographical regions of Europe is certainly a scope to be pursued. Some suggestions are provided in this respect (e.g. the set of parameters needed to allow further comparisons; the need to test other types of attractants, to make the application of the method possible where the use of valerian was proven to be inefficient or scarcely efficient, in order to allow a better comparison of future results).

MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY REVIEW IN THE UNITED KINGDOM EX SITU POPULATION OF EUROPEAN WILDCATS (FELIS SILVESTRIS) BETWEEN 2000 AND 2021.

The Scottish population of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), the only remaining native felid species in the United Kingdom, is critically endangered and was declared functionally extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2019. This retrospective study investigated the causes of morbidity and mortality reported in the United Kingdom captive wildcat population from 01 January 2000 to 31 December 2021. The aim was to assess the health and welfare of ex situ wildcats and, by making recommendations for management based on study findings, contribute to the sustainability of the population under managed care. Younger wildcats accounted for 85.7% of all morbidity cases (kittens, 7/77; young adults, 59/77), and the gastrointestinal (67.5% [52/77]), musculoskeletal (10.4% [8/77]), and integumentary (5.2% [4/77]) systems were most affected. Mortality was primarily associated with disease of the gastrointestinal (13.5% [12/89]), respiratory (13.5% [12/89]), neurological (5.6% [5/89]), and renal (5.6% [5/89]) systems. One quarter of all the histopathology examinations reported gastritis with associated Helicobacter-like organisms, often combined with pancreatitis or cholangiohepatitis. Neonates represented 25% (22/89) of all deaths, a high percentage compared with that of previous reviews in other nondomestic felids.

The wildcat (Felis s. silvestris) in the Mediterranean forest: sighting through photo-trapping and non-invasive hair collection for genetic purposes

The European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is a mesocarnivore species widely distributed in Europe, from Eastern Europe to Portugal and from Scotland to Italy. Recent biogeographical studies of wildcat populations have endeavoured to assess in detail the various issues that pose a threat to this species, including hybridization with domestic cats. The use of non-invasive sampling methods supported by photo-trapping and some attractants has made it possible to gather genetic material for the detection of native wildcats in locally threatened populations, some of which live in the Iberian Peninsula. Testimonies of naturalists, hunters and farm workers led our team to choose specific areas in two large territories of Mediterranean forests where the presence of wildcats has been historically attested: the Almonte River basin and the Sierra de San Pedro Mountains. Between 2014 and 2018, non-invasive hair sampling was performed using valerian (Valeriana officinalis) as an attractant and supported by photo-trapping to guarantee the collection of genuine biological material (hair samples). The hair samples were genetically assessed by sequencing the nuclear gene IRBP (interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein) and the mtDNA gene ND4 (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4). Despite the low density of wildcats, this combined protocol proved to be an applicable tool for detecting the presence of elusive wildcats and other mesocarnivore species in this remote region of southern Europe. In addition, non-invasive hair trapping contributes to the collection of genetic material from current wildcat populations. This procedure could enhance future management actions focused on collecting quality individualized biological material.

Diversity of Trichinella species in carnivores from Bosnia and Herzegovina

BackgroundIn Bosnia and Herzegovina, domestic and wild carnivores represent a significant driver for the transmission and ecology of zoonotic pathogens, especially those of parasitic aetiology. Nevertheless, there is no systematic research of Trichinella species in animals that have been conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even though trichinellosis is considered the most important parasitic zoonosis. The available results of the few studies carried out in Bosnia and Herzegovina are mainly related to the confirmation of parasitic larvae in the musculature of domestic pigs and wild boars or data related to trichinellosis in humans. The objective of our study was to present the findings of a comprehensive investigation into the species composition of Trichinella among 11 carnivorous species within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as follows: red fox (Vulpes vulpes), grey wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), wildcat (Felis silvestris), pine marten (Martes martes), European badger (Meles meles), weasel (Mustela nivalis), European polecat (Mustela putorius), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), but also dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and cat (Felis catus).ResultsIn the period 2013–2023, carnivore musculature samples (n = 629), each consisting of 10 g of muscle tissue, were taken post-mortem and individually examined using the artificial digestion method. In the positive samples (n = 128), molecular genotyping and identification of parasitic larvae of Trichinella spp. were performed using a PCR-based technique up to the species/genotype level. Positive samples were used for basic PCR detection of the genus Trichinella (rrnS rt-PCR technique) and genotyping (rrnl-EVS rt-PCR technique). The Trichinella infection was documented for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina among red foxes, grey wolves, brown bears, dogs, badgers and Eurasian lynx, with a frequency rate of 20.3%. Additionally, the presence of T. britovi infection was newly confirmed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking the initial documented cases. Furthermore, both T. britovi and T. pseudospiralis infections were observed in the wildcat population, whereas T. britovi and T. spiralis infections were detected in pine martens. Consistent with previous research, our findings align particularly regarding carnivores, with data from other countries such as Germany, Finland, Romania, Poland and Spain, where T. britovi exhibits a wider distribution (62.5–100%) compared to T. spiralis (0.0–37.5%). T. britovi is more common among sylvatic carnivores (89.0%), while T. spiralis prevails in wild boars (62.0%), domestic swine (82.0%) and rodents (75.0%).ConclusionThe results of our study represent the first molecular identification of species of the genus Trichinella in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, our findings underscore the necessity for targeted epidemiological studies to thoroughly assess trichinellosis prevalence across diverse animal populations. Considering the relatively high frequency of trichinellosis infection in investigated animal species and its public health implications, there is an evident need for establishing an effective trichinellosis surveillance system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Genetic swamping of the critically endangered Scottish wildcat was recent and accelerated by disease

The European wildcat population in Scotland is considered critically endangered as a result of hybridization with introduced domestic cats,1,2 though the time frame over which this gene flow has taken place is unknown. Here, using genome data from modern, museum, and ancient samples, we reconstructed the trajectory and dated the decline of the local wildcat population from viable to severely hybridized. We demonstrate that although domestic cats have been present in Britain for over 2,000 years,3 the onset of hybridization was only within the last 70 years. Our analyses reveal that the domestic ancestry present in modern wildcats is markedly over-represented in many parts of the genome, including the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). We hypothesize that introgression provides wildcats with protection against diseases harbored and introduced by domestic cats, and that this selection contributes to maladaptive genetic swamping through linkage drag. Using the case of the Scottish wildcat, we demonstrate the importance of local ancestry estimates to both understand the impacts of hybridization in wild populations and support conservation efforts to mitigate the consequences of anthropogenic and environmental change.

Limited historical admixture between European wildcats and domestic cats

Domestic cats were derived from the Near Eastern wildcat (Felis lybica), after which they dispersed with people into Europe. As they did so, it is possible that they interbred with the indigenous population of European wildcats (Felis silvestris). Gene flow between incoming domestic animals and closely related indigenous wild species has been previously demonstrated in other taxa, including pigs, sheep, goats, bees, chickens, and cattle. In the case of cats, a lack of nuclear, genome-wide data, particularly from Near Eastern wildcats, has made it difficult to either detect or quantify this possibility. To address these issues, we generated 75 ancient mitochondrial genomes, 14 ancient nuclear genomes, and 31 modern nuclear genomes from European and Near Eastern wildcats. Our results demonstrate that despite cohabitating for at least 2,000 years on the European mainland and in Britain, most modern domestic cats possessed less than 10% of their ancestry from European wildcats, and ancient European wildcats possessed little to no ancestry from domestic cats. The antiquity and strength of this reproductive isolation between introduced domestic cats and local wildcats was likely the result of behavioral and ecological differences. Intriguingly, this long-lasting reproductive isolation is currently being eroded in parts of the species' distribution as a result of anthropogenic activities.

Screening of Domestic Cats from North-Eastern Hungary for Hepatozoon felis and Cytauxzoon europaeus That Cause Infections in Local Wildcat Populations.

Among vector-borne protozoa Hepatozoon felis and Cytauxzoon europaeus are considered emerging species in felids in Europe. To investigate the presence of these two protozoa 127 domestic cats and 4 wildcats were screened by PCRs targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasms, as well as the cytb gene of Cytauxzoon spp. The samples were collected inside and outside a region of Hungary, where both protozoan groups are endemic in wildcats. Among domestic cats, one proved to be infected with H. felis. Furthermore, spleen samples of four wildcats were also examined, among which three tested positive for H. felis, and one had co-infection with C. europaeus. Importantly, H. felis from the co-infected wildcat belonged to genogroup II, similarly to H. felis from the positive domestic cat. Based on phylogenetic evidence, this genogroup probably represents a separate species from genogroup I of H. felis, which was hitherto reported from Mediterranean countries in Europe. The two other wildcats also harbored H. felis from genogroup I. Neither Hepatozoon nor Cytauxzoon infections were detected outside the recently discovered endemic region. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time in Europe that H. felis from genogroup II may emerge in free-roaming domestic cats in regions where this protozoan parasite is endemic in wildcats.

Monitoring distribution, density and introgression in European wildcats in Switzerland

Monitoring the population dynamics of elusive hybridizing species in human-dominated landscapes helps conservation and management of these species. This is particularly relevant when wild species are potentially threatened by hybridization with a domestic species, as is the case for European wildcats and domestic cats. We estimated the occupancy of European wildcats in 2010 and in 2020, based on genetic analysis of single hairs, systematically collected at 121 1 km2 sites, evenly distributed across the Jura (4307 km2). We mapped the current density of European wildcats in Switzerland based on a spatial capture recapture model using data from 246 1 km2 sites, evenly distributed across the Jura, the Plateau and the Prealps. We estimated the level of admixture between European wildcats and domestic cats in Switzerland in 2010 and 2020. The proportion of occupied sites in the Swiss Jura doubled from 15 % to 31 % within ten years. The current wildcat population size in Switzerland is estimated to be around 1100 individuals. Gene flow from domestic cats into the wildcat gene pool increased from 0.02 to 0.03 migrants per generation between 2010 and 2020. The results suggest that the European wildcat distribution in Switzerland expanded to regions of increased human presence and thus presumably also of increased domestic cat presence. In this context, the threat of introgression of domestic genes becomes more relevant. Thus, continued monitoring of population dynamics using molecular tools is recommended. Long-term systematic genetic survey of population dynamics proves to be an important tool to manage elusive hybridizing mammals.

Phylogenetic History and Phylogeographic Patterns of the European Wildcat (Felis silvestris) Populations

Disentangling phylogenetic and phylogeographic patterns is fundamental to reconstruct the evolutionary histories of taxa and assess their actual conservation status. Therefore, in this study, for the first time, the most exhaustive biogeographic history of European wildcat (Felis silvestris) populations was reconstructed by typing 430 European wildcats, 213 domestic cats, and 72 putative admixed individuals, collected across the entire species' distribution range, at a highly diagnostic portion of the mitochondrial ND5 gene. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses identified two main ND5 lineages (D and W) roughly associated with domestic and wild polymorphisms. Lineage D included all domestic cats, 83.3% of putative admixed individuals, and also 41.4% of wildcats; these latter mostly showed haplotypes belonging to sub-clade Ia, that diverged about 37,700 years ago, long pre-dating any evidence for cat domestication. Lineage W included all the remaining wildcats and putative admixed individuals, spatially clustered into four main geographic groups, which started to diverge about 64,200 years ago, corresponding to (i) the isolated Scottish population, (ii) the Iberian population, (iii) a South-Eastern European cluster, and (iv) a Central European cluster. Our results suggest that the last Pleistocene glacial isolation and subsequent re-expansion from Mediterranean and extra-Mediterranean glacial refugia were pivotal drivers in shaping the extant European wildcat phylogenetic and phylogeographic patterns, which were further modeled by both historical natural gene flow among wild lineages and more recent wild x domestic anthropogenic hybridization, as confirmed by the finding of F. catus/lybica shared haplotypes. The reconstructed evolutionary histories and the wild ancestry contents detected in this study could be used to identify adequate Conservation Units within European wildcat populations and help to design appropriate long-term management actions.

Cardio-pulmonary parasites of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in Germany

BackgroundIn the last years, research on feline cardio-pulmonary parasites has considerably increased in Europe. Not only domestic cats (Felis catus), but also European wildcats (Felis silvestris) can serve as definitive hosts for these nematodes. The F. silvestris population in Germany has been growing rapidly within the last decades; therefore, the assessment of its cardio-pulmonary parasite status is of importance to unravel whether the wildcat population serves as a substantial reservoir for these nematodes and might pose a health threat to domestic cats.MethodsAs part of a nature conservation project for European wildcats in the German federal state Rhineland-Palatinate, lungs (n = 128) and hearts (n = 111) of 128 F. silvestris found dead were examined for cardio-pulmonary parasites. All isolated parasites were identified morphologically, and results were confirmed by molecular analysis of a total of 3–11 specimens of each worm species.ResultsA total of 70.3% (90/128) wildcats were positive for at least one lungworm species. Angiostrongylus chabaudi was most common (53.1% [68/128]), followed by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (42.2% [54/128]), Troglostrongylus brevior (31.3% [40/128]) and Capillaria spp. (3.1% [4/128]). Of note, about two-thirds of the infected wildcats harboured coinfections. Infection intensities ranged from 1 to 167 nematodes per wildcat. Generalised linear models revealed a strong correlation between A. chabaudi and A. abstrusus infection, and prevalences were higher in adult than in younger wildcats, except for T. brevior. Moreover, the T. brevior prevalence varied significantly with nutritional status.ConclusionsThis study shows that feline cardio-pulmonary nematodes are common parasites in European wildcats in Germany but do not appear to have a serious impact on the overall health of the population. Due to presumed spillover events via prey, cardio-pulmonary nematodes may circulate between the wildcat population and domestic cats and might therefore pose a health risk to individual domestic cats.Graphical abstract

Human impact on the recent population history of the elusive European wildcat inferred from whole genome data

BackgroundThe extent and impact of evolutionary change occurring in natural populations in response to rapid anthropogenic impact is still poorly understood on the genome-wide level. Here, we explore the genetic structure, demographic history, population differentiation, and domestic introgression based on whole genome data of the endangered European wildcat in Germany, to assess potential genomic consequences of the species’ recent spread across human-dominated cultural landscapes.ResultsReconstruction of demographic history and introgression rates based on 47 wildcat and 37 domestic cat genomes suggested late introgression between wild and domestic cat, coinciding with the introduction of domestic cat during the Roman period, but overall relatively low rates of hybridization and introgression from domestic cats. Main population divergence found between an eastern and central German wildcat clade was found to be of rather recent origin (200 y), and thus the likely consequence of anthropogenic persecution and resulting isolation in population refugia. We found similar effective population sizes and no substantial inbreeding across populations. Interestingly, highly differentiated genes between wild cat populations involved in the tryptophan-kynurenine-serotonin pathway were revealed, which plays a role in behavioral processes such as stress susceptibility and tolerance, suggesting that differential selection acted in the populations.ConclusionsWe found strong evidence for substantial recent anthropogenic impact on the genetic structure of European wildcats, including recent persecution-driven population divergence, as well as potential adaptation to human-dominate environments. In contrast, the relatively low levels of domestic introgression and inbreeding found in this study indicate a substantial level of “resistance” of this elusive species towards major anthropogenic impacts, such as the omnipresence of domestic cats as well as substantial habitat fragmentation. While those findings have strong implications for ongoing conservation strategies, we demand closer inspection of selective pressures acting on this and other wildlife species in anthropogenic environments.

Gone before it’s known? Camera-trapping shows alarming levels of putative hybrids in the wildcat (Felis silvestris) population of the Gargano National Park (Southern Italy)

Abstract The European wildcat is a small carnivore widespread across Europe and hybridization with the domestic cat is one of the major threats to wildcats. We estimate the population density of wild-living cats (both wildcats and putative hybrids based on pelage) in the Gargano National Park (Southern Italy). We sampled 20 stations for 540 camera days. We obtained 23 images from 17 detections at 10 cameras, and we identified 10 individuals (6 wildcats and 4 putative hybrids). Population density was estimated at 0.34 ± 0.15 SE wild-living cats/km2. The proportion of putative hybrids indicates an alarming hybridization for this population.

An ancient haplotype containing antimicrobial peptide gene variants is associated with severe fungal skin disease in Persian cats.

Dermatophytosis, also known as ringworm, is a contagious fungal skin disease affecting humans and animals worldwide. Persian cats exhibit severe forms of the disease more commonly than other breeds of cat, including other long-haired breeds. Certain types of severe dermatophytosis in humans are reportedly caused by monogenic inborn errors of immunity. The goal of this study was to identify genetic variants in Persian cats contributing to the phenotype of severe dermatophytosis. Whole-genome sequencing of case and control Persian cats followed by a genome-wide association study identified a highly divergent, disease-associated haplotype on chromosome F1 containing the S100 family of genes. S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9), which encodes a subunit of the antimicrobial heterodimer known as calprotectin, contained 13 nonsynonymous variants between cases and controls. Evolutionary analysis of S100A9 haplotypes comparing cases, controls, and wild felids suggested the divergent disease-associated haplotype was likely introgressed into the domestic cat lineage and maintained via balancing selection. We demonstrated marked upregulation of calprotectin expression in the feline epidermis during dermatophytosis, suggesting involvement in disease pathogenesis. Given this divergent allele has been maintained in domestic cat and wildcat populations, this haplotype may have beneficial effects against other pathogens. The pathogen specificity of this altered protein should be investigated before attempting to reduce the allele frequency in the Persian cat breed. Further work is needed to clarify if severe Persian dermatophytosis is a monogenic disease or if hidden disease-susceptibility loci remain to be discovered. Consideration should be given to engineering antimicrobial peptides such as calprotectin for topical treatment of dermatophytosis in humans and animals.

Informing conservation strategies with museum genomics: Long-term effects of past anthropogenic persecution on the elusive European wildcat.

Like many carnivore species, European wildcats (Felis silvestris) have suffered severe anthropogenic population declines in the past, resulting in a strong population bottleneck at the beginning of the 20th century. In Germany, the species has managed to survive its near extinction in small isolated areas and is currently recolonizing former habitats owing to legal protection and concerted conservation efforts. Here, we SNP‐genotyped and mtDNA‐sequenced 56 historical and 650 contemporary samples to assess the impact of massive persecution on genetic diversity, population structure, and hybridization dynamics of wildcats. Spatiotemporal analyses suggest that the presumed postglacial differentiation between two genetically distinct metapopulations in Germany is in fact the result of the anthropogenic bottleneck followed by re‐expansion from few secluded refugia. We found that, despite the bottleneck, populations experienced no severe genetic erosion, nor suffered from elevated inbreeding or showed signs of increased hybridization with domestic cats. Our findings have significant implications for current wildcat conservation strategies, as the data analyses show that the two presently recognized wildcat population clusters should be treated as a single conservation unit. Although current populations appear under no imminent threat from genetic factors, fostering connectivity through the implementation of forest corridors will facilitate the preservation of genetic diversity and promote long‐term viability. The present study documents how museum collections can be used as essential resource for assessing long‐term anthropogenic effects on natural populations, for example, regarding population structure and the delineation of appropriate conservation units, potentially informing todays' species conservation.

Population density of European wildcats in a pre-alpine area (northeast Italy) and an assessment of estimate robustness

While population density is a basic demographic parameter, it is rarely available for the elusive European wildcat, despite its wide distribution. Italy hosts at least five different wildcat populations, and little information is available for the wildcats inhabiting the northeast of the Italian peninsula. With the aim to provide the first report on European wildcat population density, we used spatially explicit capture-recapture models applied to camera trapping data in a pre-alpine area in NE Italy. The survey was carried out from May 18th to September 14th, 2015, using 31 camera traps distributed within a 1 × 1 km grid, placing a single camera per km2. We collected 32 videos of wildcats, corresponding to a total of eleven individuals. Density ± SE estimate was 0.35 ± 0.12 individuals per km2, with the encounter probability (g0) equal to 0.10 ± 0.03, and the spatial scale (σ) equal to 461 ± 62 m, corresponding to a mean home range size of 3.36 km2. In addition, to evaluate our sampling design and the robustness of our estimates, we simulated data generation and fitted SECR models under several realistic combinations of number and spacing of detectors, and sampling efforts. Considering the relative standard errors and relative bias, our sampling design produced robust estimates, whereas in scenarios with short sampling periods or greater spacing of detectors, the estimates were inadequate. Our study provides previously unavailable data on the biology of the European wildcat from NE Italy and some important considerations concerning sampling design to plan future research.

Integrating multiple datasets into spatially-explicit capture-recapture models to estimate the abundance of a locally scarce felid

The conservation of animal populations often requires the estimation of population size. Low density and secretive behaviour usually determine scarce data sources and hampers precise abundance estimations of carnivore populations. However, joint analysis of independent scarce data sources in a common modeling framework allows unbiased and precise estimates of population parameters. We aimed to estimate the density of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in a protected area of Spain, by combining independent datasets in a spatially-explicit capture-recapture (SCR) framework. Data from live-capture with individual identification, camera-trapping without individual identification and radio-tracking concurrently obtained were integrated in a joint SCR and count data model. Ten live captures of five wildcats were obtained with an effort of 2034 trap-days, whereas seven wildcat independent events were recorded in camera traps with 3628 camera-days. Two wildcats were radio-tagged and telemetry information on their movements was obtained. The integration of the different data sources improved the precision obtained by the standard SCR model. The mean (± SD) density estimated with the integrated model (0.038 ± 0.017 wildcats/km2, 95% highest posterior density 0.013–0.082) is among the lowest values ever reported for this species, despite corresponding to a highly protected area. Among the likely causes of such low density, low prey availability could have triggered an extinction vortex process. We postulate that the estimated low density could represent a common situation of wildcat populations in the southern Iberia, highlighting the need for further studies and urgent conservation actions in the furthermost southwestern range of this species in Europe.