| Popis: |
Herein the results of an investigation conducted in these two regions are reported, representing a revision of the sub-area in order to facilitate distribution data updating. Specimens identified in Museum collections attest wildcat presence in plain woods near Turin up to the early decades of the 20th century. The presence in the Ligurian and Maritime Prealps is confirmed at least until legal protection (1977). The European wildcat absence from Po river areas is linked to forest cover disappearance in plains, hills and midmountains. Deforestation of the Po area for agricultural purposes is a remote process that has become pushed over the last two centuries, causing theriocenoses modification and forestry species disappearance. The wild felid, considered harmful like all carnivores and raptors, was huntable, caught with traps to sell the fur, and collectors sought after him; there was also locally food consumption. After decades of missing data, two distinct events in Liguria allowed the identification of two specimens: a male in the western mountains and a female in Ligurian-Piedmontese Apennines - where a clear wild heritage can be found. It is important in this regard to update the distribution framework and contrast risk of variability loss due to hybridization with domestic cats. |
