Importance of Wildolife Overpasses to Connect Dispersal Corridors of the European Wildcat Using the Example in Pettingen/mersch (luxembourg)

27 Mar Importance of Wildolife Overpasses to Connect Dispersal Corridors of the European Wildcat Using the Example in Pettingen/mersch (luxembourg)

View Original

Abstract

English Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the use of a wildlife overpass over
the motorway A7 near Pettingen/Mersch as a main dispersal corridor for the European
wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) in Luxembourg. To achieve this goal 51 valerian scented
lure sticks were placed in six transects across this potential dispersal corridor to detect wildcats,
and controlled regularly for the presence of hair from 8.11.2009 until 8.09.2010. From
the 122 hair samples collected during this period, 29 were analyzed by mitochondrial and
microsatellite DNA. From the 21 positive wildcat samples collected, at least 9 different individuals
of F. s. silvestris could be identified that used the wildlife overpass and its surroundings
as a habitat or migration corridor. Furthermore we analyzed 20 suspected wildcat road
kills from the last decade by morphologic and genetic methods. Seventeen of those were
positively identified as wildcats. We underlined the importance of the preservation of dispersal
corridors and wildlife crossings during the planning and execution of road construction.
Today’s major risks to the European wildcat population, habitat loss and fragmentation
as well as road kills are discussed.