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ARCHIVED - Wildcat population in Spain suffering a silent extinction
Spain now has some of the lowest numbers of wildcats in all of Europe
Scientists in Spain have delivered the worrying news that the wildcat (Felis silvestris) is suffering a “silent extinction” as populations are dwindling throughout Europe. A study carried out in the Cabañeros National Park, in Castilla-La Mancha, has confirmed the worst: the number of wild cats in this protected reserve is among the lowest in all of Europe and well below what is considered optimal for the survival of the species.
The density of the bobcat in this protected area is among the lowest in Europe, well below what is considered optimal for this species.
“Our results show an extremely low density of European wildcats in a highly protected area, suggesting that this population is probably going through a process of extinction,” concluded the investigation recently carried out by the Research Group on Game Resources Management and Wild Fauna of the Research Institute on Game Resources.
In Cabañeros, an absolute population size of 15 wildcats was estimated, with scientists blaming the lack of prey (mainly rabbits and small mammals) for the low numbers. After analysing the data, the experts concluded that wildcat populations in southern Spain are experiencing “demographic reductions and increasing isolation” and called on the authorities to urgently address the matter.
The group has suggested introducing more prey into wildcat habitats as a way to promote population recovery, a measure which would also keep the animals away from domestic cats and urban areas, since an international study published this year has confirmed that 83% of wildcat deaths in Europe are caused by humans.
The problem isn’t confined to just one area, as a decrease in numbers has been observed in the Doñana National Park in Andalucía despite this also being a protected area. The same situation has been noted in the Serra de Malcata nature reserve in Portugal.
The wildcat is “strictly protected” by European legislation and is on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In Spain, the cat is also in danger of extinction.
Image: Wildkatzendorf
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