ARCHIVED - Wildcat population in Spain suffering a silent extinction
ARCHIVED ARTICLE
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.
To be listed on the CAMPOSOL TODAY MAP please call +34 .
To be listed on the CONDADO TODAY MAP please call +34 .
Guidelines for submitting articles to Camposol Today
Hello, and thank you for choosing CamposolToday.com to publicise your organisation’s info or event.
Camposol Today is a website set up by Murcia Today specifically for residents of the urbanisation in Southwest Murcia, providing news and information on what’s happening in the local area, which is the largest English-speaking expat area in the Region of Murcia.
When submitting text to be included on Camposol Today, please abide by the following guidelines so we can upload your article as swiftly as possible:
Send an email to editor@camposoltoday.com or contact@murciatoday.com
Attach the information in a Word Document or Google Doc
Include all relevant points, including:
Who is the organisation running the event?
Where is it happening?
When?
How much does it cost?
Is it necessary to book beforehand, or can people just show up on the day?
…but try not to exceed 300 words
Also attach a photo to illustrate your article, no more than 100kb