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Assessing Changes in the Distribution Patterns of the European Wildcat in Hungary
Chimed Otgontamir1,2, Ádám Fehér1, Gergely Schally1
1Department of Wildlife Biology and Management, Institute for Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly u. 1, H-2100 Godollo, Hungary.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|March 13, 2024
Summary
European wildcats (Felis silvestris) are recovering in Hungary, with broad-leaved forests supporting their populations. Conservation efforts are crucial as populations remain stable in eastern, northern, and southwestern regions.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Wildlife Management
Background:
- The European wildcat (Felis silvestris) is an endangered carnivore with a poorly understood distribution across Europe.
- Historical persecution has led to significant declines in wildcat populations over the past two centuries.
- Targeted conservation strategies are essential for the recovery of this elusive species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the nationwide distribution and population trends of European wildcats in Hungary.
- To identify key habitat factors influencing wildcat occurrence.
- To inform conservation planning for wildcat populations in Central Europe.
Main Methods:
- An online questionnaire was used to collect wildcat occurrence data for 2004, 2014, and 2022.
- Binomial logistic regression analysis was employed to correlate wildcat presence with land cover percentages.
- Spatial analysis was conducted to map distribution changes over time.
Main Results:
- Broad-leaved forest cover was positively associated with European wildcat occurrence.
- A positive trend in wildcat distribution was observed between 2004 and 2022.
- While disappearing from some areas, stable wildcat populations persist in eastern, northern, and southwestern Hungary.
Conclusions:
- Habitat management, specifically preserving broad-leaved forests, is vital for European wildcat conservation.
- The study highlights regional population stability and decline, informing targeted conservation actions.
- Continued monitoring is necessary to support the long-term recovery of European wildcats in Hungary.
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