Population density estimation of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) in Sicily using camera trapping

Abstract

The wildcat is an elusive species that is threatened with extinction in many areas of its European distribution. In Sicily the wildcat lives in a wide range of habitats; this study was done on Mount Etna. Previous camera trap monitoring was conducted in 2006 (pilot study) and in 2007 (first estimation of wildcat population size by using camera trapping with capture-recapture analyses) in the same study area. In 2009 digital camera traps in pairs were used at each station with the aim of determining the density of the wildcat’s population by using capture–recapture analyses. The coat-colour and markings system was used to determine both the taxonomical status of the photographed cat and the individual identification. Two trap-lines adjacent to each other were run in two consecutive data collection periods. Camera traps worked together for 1080 trap-days and we obtained 42 pictures of wildcats from 32 events of photographic capture, from which 10 individuals (excluding four kittens) were identified. The history capture of each individual was constructed and the software CAPTURE (model heterogeneity) was used to generate an estimation of the population density (0.28 ± 0.1 wildcat/1 Km2) by using the Full Mean Maximum Distance Moved for wildcats caught more than once to calculate the effective sampled area. The wildcat’s population density on Mount Etna falls within the medium/ high range of those found throughout Europe. Recaptures of the same individual and reproductions events have been recorded across the years. Comparison with previous studies suggested that wildcat’s density in our study area might be stable.