The return of Europe’s little tiger

The European wildcat (Felis silvestris) is currently experiencing a wildlife comeback across many regions of Europe, slowly expanding its range again after phases of severe persecution. In Austria, the wildcat has long been considered extinct. However, due to a tragic incident – a cat roadkill – scientific investigations were sparked several years ago and eventually led to the species rediscovery. Genetic analyses of hair samples collected from wooden sticks equipped with valerian – an attractant for cats – clearly showed in November 2020 that dry hillside forests adjacent to the Danube river in Wachau Valley / Lower Austria are inhabited by a small population of „little tigers“. I managed to get the first high resolution camera trapping images of individuals from this population. More research is needed to rediscover other wildcat populations in Austria and reconnect them via green corridors, as has already happened in Germany.

The European wildcat (Felis silvestris) is currently experiencing a wildlife comeback across many regions of Europe, slowly expanding its range again after phases of severe persecution.

In Austria, the wildcat has long been considered extinct. Also, this species is still struggling with being acknowledged in its own right, often being confused with tabby domestic cats or feral cats. In fact, its bushy, blunt and black-tipped tail, its more robust and generally larger appearance sets the wildcat apart from the domestic cat, besides the fact that evolutionary they are not even related.

The rediscovery of wildcats in Austria is linked to a tragic incident. A dead wildcat, discovered at the roadside in Wachau valley/Lower Austria, sparked scientific investigations several years ago. Since physical features alone cannot provide absolute clearity about the individual being a wildcat or a domestic cat, genetic analyses are indispensable. Hair samples collected from wooden sticks equipped with valerian – an attractant for cats – eventually provided the good news: In November 2020 it was revealed that dry hillside forests adjacent to the Danube river in Wachau Valley / Lower Austria are inhabited by a small population of „little tigers“.

I managed to get the first high resolution camera trapping images of individuals from this population. More research is needed to rediscover other wildcat populations in Austria and reconnect them via green corridors, as has happened already in Germany.