IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Klar, N.; Herrmann, M. | |
| How do Roads Affect European Wildcats and What Measures are Effective to Reduce Road Mortality? | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
The wildcat (_Felis s. silvestris_) is a species of conservation concern throughout Europe. After some centuries of massive hunting and deforestation only small isolated populations were left. Despite strict protection still only 10-15% of the suitable habitat in Germany is populated. What are the reasons? Today road mortality and habitat fragmentation are major threats. We radiotracked 12 wildcats in three years along a new motorway to document its effects. Moreover 2738 wildcat sightings and 402 causalities from Southwest-Germany were analysed and constructive details of roads as well as landscape features were reported. Most wildcat casualties occurred near forests larger than 1000 ha and nearly no kills were found near buildings. Guard railings and the lack of road verges pose a high risk to the wildcat. On one motorway 35% of the estimated population was killed every year. A wildcat proof fence with a metal sheet at the top was effective in keeping animals from the road. Because of the high risk of population fragmentation this measure will only be recommended when crossing possibilities are present. Our results can be used to define conflict areas and target roads where wildcat-proof fences and other measures should be established. |
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