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Library Local-level determinants of wildcat occupancy in Northeast Scotland

Local-level determinants of wildcat occupancy in Northeast Scotland

Local-level determinants of wildcat occupancy in Northeast Scotland

Resource information

Date of publication
December 2013
Resource Language
ISBN / Resource ID
AGRIS:US201400003334
Pages
449-453

We studied the influence of food abundance, land cover and disturbance on European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris Schreber, 1777) presence in Scotland. Wildcat records were collected using camera trapping, and prey data were assessed through linear transects and small mammal trapping. Surveys were carried out in three study areas in northeast Scotland. Wildcat occupancy was best predicted by a combination of food and land cover variables. This species detection was associated with higher rodent abundance and areas of higher habitat diversity encompassing patches of mixed and coniferous woodlands. Wildcat presence was negatively linked with the prevalence of dwarf shrub areas. We suggest that wildcat conservation actions at local scale should take into account the availability of feeding resources and landscape heterogeneity.

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Authors and Publishers

Author(s), editor(s), contributor(s)

Silva, André P.
Rosalino, Luís M.
Johnson, Paul J.
Macdonald, David W.
Anderson, Neil
Kilshaw, Kerry

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