IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Pi¤eiro, A.; Barja, I. | |
| Trophic strategy of the wildcat _Felis silvestris_ in relation to seasonal variation in the availability and vulnerability to capture of _Apodemus_ mice | |
| 2011 Mammalian Biology (76): 302-307 | |
The aim of this study was to assess the trophic strategy of the wildcat (_Felis silvestris_) by examining the availability and vulnerability of its main prey. Live traps were used to estimate _Apodemus_ mouse availability. The vulnerability to capture of wildcat main prey - _Apodemus_ mice - was studied by focal sampling of live-trapped individuals; slow escape behaviour and body weight were used as indicators of vulnerability to capture. The seasonal consumption of _Apodemus_ mice did not depend on their availability, although seasonality was the only factor that explained the variation in slow escape behaviour, which was more commonly seen in the autumn when the consumption of these mice was higher. Variation in mouse body weight was related to reproductive condition but not to seasonality. These results indicate that the wildcat is a facultative specialist in the consumption of _Apodemus_ mice, with vulnerability to capture the main factor determining the rate of mouse consumption. |
|
 |
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) |