IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| G”rner, M. | |
| Wilcats (_Felis silvestris_) in Thuringia in current view of hunting, conservation and science (Wildkatzen (_Felis silvestris_) in Thueringen aus aktueller Sicht von Jagd, Naturschutz und Wissenschaft | |
| 2012 S„ugetierkundliche Informationen (8): 387-402 | |
The wildcat is known as animal of great sympathy in the public. But despite of extensive literature certain facts are hardly known and essential questions concerning the biology of the species are not posed. The question where wildcats occur today and where they had occurred in the past are still difficult to answer. The increasing use of lure sticks to confirm the occurrence of wildcats and the raising awareness of the public which led to increased study of cats found dead, may distort the picture of the species distribution compared to the first half of the 20th century. Historic references document for example for Thuringia a large distribution area (on the basis of ordinance survey maps) particularly in northern, western and southern Thuringia, which can be considered as nearly comprehensive. Wildcats found dead in the last 12 years confirm most of the historic distribution again. Thus it can be assumed that wildcats always occurred in several areas of Thuringia - up to about 1980 in lower and than in increasing densities. Several questions like what are optimal and pessimal habitats how are reproduction and mortality rate, how are the interactions with other carnivores or whether corridors influence wildcat populations which arise from the scientific perspective are named. The wildcat in Germany is subject of the shooting right hunting law and since 1934 the close season extends for the whole year so that ever since hunting decreased as potetial mortality factor and now plays no role. Instead since about 1990 the number of wildcats dying due to traffic on roads increased markedly. As has been described before, wildcats use home ranges of different size and different habitats including open areas. As the communication network and in particular the road network is extremely dense it can be assumed that a large number of wildcat territories includes streets which may offer food at the soft shoulder or bank and offer suitable paths in snowy winters. Particularly dangerous crossing points for the animals have to be identified. It should be a conservation aim to reduce the threat of traffic, which also affects other mammals, and wildlife overpass or subways designed in accordance to the requirements of several species seem the most adequate means. |
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