Modelling the Distribution and Habitat Suitability of the European Wildcat (Felis silvestris) in North-Western Spain and Its Conservation Implications.

ABSTRACT: Human activities have resulted in severe habitat degradation and fragmentation at a global scale. Despite this scenario, some carnivore species that adapted to the new conditions are expanding, leading to close coexistence with humans and the emergence of potential conflicts. In this work, we used a European wildcat (Felis silvestris) observations database of more than 350 sightings over 17 years in NW Spain to build suitability models based on environmental, topographic, climatic, and human impact variables. MaxEnt was used to analyse the availability of suitable habitats for the species at a regional scale. Our results showed that less than one third of the suitable area for the species had confirmed wildcat presence. Elevation, the percentage of forested area, and footpath densit

SUBMITTER: Vazquez Garcia P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11429425 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature