O’Brien, J., Devillard, S., Say, L., Vanthomme, H., Léger, F., Ruette, S., Pontier, D., 2009. Preserving genetic integrity in a hybridising world: are European Wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) in eastern France distinct from sympatric feral domestic cats? Biodiversity Conservation, 18, 2351–2360.
We investigate the genetic profile of putative European Wildcats in north-eastern France, possessing the wildcat phenotype, but sampled in an area where they are sympatric with free-roaming domestic cats and, thus, are exposed to potential hybridisation. From a sample of 209 cats, the programme STRUCTURE clearly identified two distinct genetic clusters that corresponded to European Wildcats and domestic cats. The cats from these two clusters were clearly differentiated from each other (F ST = 0.16). However, the genotypes of some individual cats were split between the two clusters, indicative of genetic admixture. Our analysis demonstrates that a genetically distinct population of cats that possess the European Wildcat phenotype persists in north-eastern France, but that there is a low, yet real, risk of hybridisation with sympatric domestic cats. These European Wildcats warrant conservation efforts to protect their genetic integrity.
See more on domestic cat introgression in wildcat
We investigate the genetic profile of putative European Wildcats in north-eastern France, possessing the wildcat phenotype, but sampled in an area where they are sympatric with free-roaming domestic cats and, thus, are exposed to potential hybridisation. From a sample of 209 cats, the programme STRUCTURE clearly identified two distinct genetic clusters that corresponded to European Wildcats and domestic cats. The cats from these two clusters were clearly differentiated from each other (F ST = 0.16). However, the genotypes of some individual cats were split between the two clusters, indicative of genetic admixture. Our analysis demonstrates that a genetically distinct population of cats that possess the European Wildcat phenotype persists in north-eastern France, but that there is a low, yet real, risk of hybridisation with sympatric domestic cats. These European Wildcats warrant conservation efforts to protect their genetic integrity.
See more on domestic cat introgression in wildcat
Hi we have severn cats all sort of ferrule but three were born in sort of captivity and "mummy" accepted that I was there to help and keep her safe. She had been cruelly treated and she had one of the cat ailments. However we already had 2 both clear and 1 14 years old and one about 12. all inoculated! However just before we hehad the three kittens from mummy we got another that again had been cruelly treated but was asking for help. He needed medical assistance and had to be kept in a room for a while on his own. He is now neutered and OK he comes to me butts me and likes to play fight. Our two older cats have seemingly accepted the others without any problems. Now the kittens, two are rag doll types, full of energy and love to fight but not aggressively. The last but defintely not least is a cross with a genuine wildcat. He is unable to really "talk" and is extremely quiet but boy is he loving with me. In fact they are all gentle really. Frankly the vet cannot believe that the severn all live together, do not go out and are really so tame. The three "kittens" are now going on for 18 months (really, is it, my goodness) and now all respond to their names, and come and sit on us, with us or beside us and of course love to destroy things. High on the list kitchen rolls and tissues. We have had some new chairs delivered and the boxes are a pair of new cat toys. They think these are magic. Hopefully with all the scratchers around they will leave the chairs alone. The older cats shout for fresh grass and when I bring it in the cats shout with glee and sort out what they want. The 12 year old who lost her tail some 10 years ago really tells me off if I do not get he some. I will give some more pussy information as we go along. I have also given the cats some reading matter on how and what are cats behaviours and how they behave (or not) as seemingly they have not read the instructions on "How to behave like a cat!" If they have then many bits have not sunk in! R
ReplyDelete