European wildcats and measuring the success of the wildcat reintroduction in Bavaria (Germany)
Tierstation Bockengut, Switzerland
Wildcat Reintroduction Project in Bavaria has been running for more than 20 years. The proposed study is essential for a successful conclusion of the reintroduction of the wildcat in Bavaria. Following the IUCN Guidelines for Reintroduction, monitoring the released animals is indispensable for any reintroduction. This study will give important insights into the behaviours and the social structure of wildcats which is still relatively unknown.
Project aims and objectives
Primarily the study aims at measuring the success of the Wildcat Reintroduction Project in Bavaria. The behaviour of two classes of wildcats is to be investigated, that of reintroduced cats as well as that of animals already living in the reintroduced area and whose origin is yet to be determined.The objectives are:
- Radio collar wildcats to estimate wildcat density, activity patterns, roaming behaviour, habitat use and social structure
- Estimate prey in study area
- Determine origin and kinship by genetic analysis
- Estimate the influence of rearing condition on the behaviour and survival rate of wildcats after their release
