Overview of the Iberian wildcat conservation status
The final Red List assessment for the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in the Iberian Peninsula, sponsored by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, reveals a troubling reality for this small feline. The first clear signal is an immense fragmentation of wildcat populations across Spain and Portugal. The study also uncovers gaps in knowledge, especially regarding population size and trends over time.
In response to these findings, a team of experts from both countries plans a technical meeting at the start of 2022. The aim is to compile current information on the species status and to develop a practical roadmap to turn the situation around.
Stakeholders working with the species shared regional data for different parts of Spain and Portugal and reached a common conclusion: the species shows two contrasting states within the region. In the north and northeast, the wildcat appears well distributed with relatively high densities. In contrast, the south and central areas show lower occupancy and extensive fragmentation, with very low population density according to agency reports.
The expert team, including Emilio Virgós, a biodiversity and conservation researcher at Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid, emphasizes urgent actions to clarify the causes of the widespread decline and to design necessary conservation measures, particularly for the Mediterranean subpopulation.
pre-extinction scenario
The plan prioritizes gathering all available information on status and trends and agreeing on standardized, combined monitoring methods that permit periodic population assessments. It also includes evaluating the possibility of regional conservation status assessments and raising awareness among the public and among conservation authorities. The situation across most of Iberia is a stark warning, according to the analysis.
A national census is in progress with the help of dozens of volunteers. The effort uses camera traps and is expected to cover more than 120 points across Spain, with substantial geographic coverage that amounts to thousands of hectares. This initiative could provide the first quantitative snapshot of the current state of the species in the country.
In addition to the census results, researchers identified key steps for conservation. Among them are forming focused working groups and assessing regional status with the involvement of conservation bodies and the IUCN, alongside an awareness campaign directed at the public and at authorities responsible for environmental policy.
Reference article: IUCN Red List entry for Felis silvestris.
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