IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Rees, E.E. | |
| Environmental change, and the late quarternary distribution of the eurasian/african wildcat (_Felis silvestris_) | |
| 2002 Full Book | |
The benefits of using geographical information systems (GIS) to perform biogeographical analysis for clarifying taxonomic designations of species is demonstrated for the Eurasian and African wildcat (_Felis silvestris_). Wildcat taxonomy is a contentious issue because hybridisation with domestic cats (_Felis catus_) impedes the ability of traditional taxonomic techniques to define taxonomy. The genetic, morphological, or behavioural criteria used by these techniques have difficulty separating out the effects of hybridisation. The biogeographical approach used in this study overcomes this disadvantage because the data used to infer taxonomy (temperature, precipitation, and topography) does not show the effect of hybridisation with domestic cats. Temperature, precipitation, and topographical data are used to reconstruct the changing distribution of the wildcat over the Late Quaternary (past 20,000 years). The evolutionary history of wildcats is inferred from spatial analysis of the predicted distributions. The outcomes are assessed using known wildcat sightings data and by creating two additional biogeographical models that reconstruct wildcat distribution. The main biogeographical model has an 83% prediction success rate when compared to known wildcat sightings data. This model has a high level of correspondence with the outcomes of the secondary models for the modern day, but the level of correspondence is less when past reconstructions are compared. The results suggest areas where more morphologically and genetically distinct wildcat populations may exist and help explain why wildcats are not found in areas that have favourable wildcat habitat. The biogeographical approach is a promising technique for inferring biological taxonomic designations by supporting or disputing current taxonomic designations and by suggesting hypotheses for further morphological and genetic analysis. Additional benefits for biogeographical analysis in aiding conservation efforts are also discussed. |
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