Natural History Monthly with the theme Wildcat
This article describes the return of the European wildcat to South Limburg and the threats to the survival of this rare species. DNA research shows that approximately 50% of the cats examined are hybrids of wildcats and domestic cats, posing a major risk to the conservation of the wildcat as a pure species.
Hybridization can lead to the disappearance of the wildcat through genetic “contamination” and displacement, as has already happened in Scotland. In addition, domestic cats pose other threats, such as food competition and the transmission of diseases. The high density of domestic cats increases these risks. Therefore, measures are necessary, such as limiting free-roaming domestic cats, removing feral cats and hybrids, and better monitoring. Without intervention, the wildcat in the Netherlands is at risk of eventually disappearing.
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Please note, this article is only available in Dutch.
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