IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group Library

IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library

Reference
Search

View printer friendly
Potocnik, H.; Skrbinsek, T.; Kljun, F.; Kos, I.
Modelling Spatial Interference between Wildcts (_Felis s. silvestris_) and Domestic Cats (_Felis s. catus_) in Slovenia
2007 Conference Proceeding
Extensive fragmentation, alteration and loss of habitat since the 18th century resulted in extinction processes in wildcat populations throughout Europe. The habitat has improved to some extent, which can be seen from some recolonizations that happened in the 1920s. However the negative effects of fragmentation are amplified by intensive urbanization, natural resource use and development of traffic infrastructure. Experiences from Scotland, Hungary and Portugal indicate that habitat loss and fragmentation are probably the most important direct and indirect threats to the wildcats in Europe that also increase penetration of domestic cats into wildcats' habitats. We used data from radiotelemetry study of both wildcats and domestic cats as well as presence data from nation-wide monitoring for analyses. Using different methodological approaches we constructed and validated predictive habitat model for Slovenian part of Dinaric region and fragmentation and connectivity models for the entire area of Slovenia. We used ecological Niche Factor Analyses (ENFA) to build a habitat model for the Wildcat. Domestic cat-wildcat presence data were used to build potential distribution model between domestic cats and wildcats using GLM. We evaluated potential threat of penetration of domestic cat into wildcats' habitats in Slovenia by overlapping wildcat's habitat and distribution models.
	PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here

(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union)