The Scottish wildcat (Felis sylvestris) : a review of genetic information and its implications for management

Abstract

Background. The Scottish wildcat is thought to be under threat from hybridisation with domestic cats. Management of this problem is hampered by the lack of genetic characters, which clearly define the wildcat and distinguish it from domestic cats and their hybrids. In this report we review and summarise the findings of genetic analyses tackling this issue, and discuss these in the context of morphological criteria for defining wildcats. We also discuss how the results of the genetic analyses may be used to inform management decisions in hybridising species. We finish by outlining outstanding knowledge gaps/future research requirements.