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Kitchener, A.C.; Yamaguchi, N.; Driscoll, C.; Dugmore, A.J.
Using GIS as a Tool for Understanding the Biogeography of Cats - the Roles of Volcanoes, Medicines and Ice Ages
2007 Conference Proceeding
Many felid species have very wide geographical distributions and their external appearance and size may vary considerably as a consequence. In this paper we review the geographical variation in several felid species, ranging in size from the wildcat, _Felis silvestris_, to the biggest cats, the tiger, _Panthera tigris_, and lion, _P. leo_, using both morphological and genetic data. We also show how glacial cycles have influenced the geographical distributions of felids today, using models developed from GIS datasets of temperature, precipitation, topography and habitat. Finally we discuss the influence of geographical barriers, stochastic events such as volcanic eruptions, and ancient human impacts on the geographical distributions of some big cats, including the tiger, and how these may influence our current understanding of geographical variation, taxonomy and future conservation action.
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