Wildcats in Brandenburg's Forests Thrive, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Holds Promise
Over two centuries since its disappearance, the European wildcat has staged a remarkable comeback in the forests of Brandenburg. Its potential return to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is a hot topic of discussion, with the Ministry of Environment in Schwerin confirming discretely that they're well within the wildcat's current distribution area, making them high on the list of expectation nations.
Felis silvestris, the European wildcat, enjoys strict protection as a "species of Community interest" according to Annex IV of the Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive (FFH). This entails conservation, development, and monitoring responsibilities, necessitating the use of reliable detection methods in suitable habitats like the Müritz National Park and Schaalsee region for the 2024-2029 FFH reporting period.
Valerian-scented lure sticks, an age-old technique, have proven effective in attracting wildcats of both sexes during their mating season between January and March. Upon rubbing themselves against the valerian-infused sticks, the cats leave behind hairs, which can be identified and tracked using genetic analysis. While this method has proven successful in Brandenburg, the Ministry of Environment in Schwerin is eager to uncover evidence of wildcats in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Monitoring by the State Office for the Environment (LfU) in Brandenburg has unearthed substantial proof of wildcat presence in areas like the Hohe and Niedere Fläming and the Jüterbog wilderness region. A total of twelve cats, nine adults, and three females, have been identified through genetic analysis in the former.
Photo traps have also been instrumental in spotting young wildcats in Brandenburg, while tragic incidents like a road accident near Pfingstberg in the Uckermark have led to further discoveries. The potential return of wildcats to other areas, such as the Niederlausitzer Landrücken, leaves conservationists optimistic.
Historical records suggest that the wildcat was once abundant in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg, but human activities led to its near-extinction at the end of the 18th and mid-19th century.
Related Articles:
Insights:
While valerian-scented lure sticks have shown promise in tracking wildcats in Brandenburg, other methods have gained traction for monitoring wildlife populations. For instance, trail cameras, rectal swab sampling, and camera traps with baiting have been crucial in capturing data on polecats and wildcats in other regions. A combination of these methods may lead to more effective monitoring and conservation efforts in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
