African Wildcat (F.s. lybica)
The African Wildcat (AWC) is the ancestor of today’s domestic cat and currently lives throughout the continent of Africa and parts of Asia. The domestic cat is believed to have been domesticated from AWCs 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent. This coincides with early civilization’s rise in agriculture and the need for protection of grain storage from rodents. The beautiful and iconic AWC is currently facing population declines from hybridization with domestic cats, habitat loss, and hunting. Alley Cat Rescue is working tireless to raise awareness to preserve the genetic integrity of this species through trap-neuter-return programs for local feral cats and public education.
Lineage:
The scientific classification of this small Wildcat and its subspecies has been open to considerable debate. In 2017, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global authority on the status of threatened and endangered species, set up the Cat Classification Task Force to determine the classification of the Wildcat. This task force recognized two separate Wildcat species: the European Wildcat and the African Wildcat. The AWC has three subspecies distinguished by their different geographic ranges. The Northern African Wildcat lives in eastern, western, and northern Africa, the Southern African Wildcat lives in southern Africa, and the Asiatic Wildcat lives in southwest and central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Mongolia, and China. Alley Cat Rescue focuses their conservation work on the Southern African Wildcat (Felis lybica cafra).
Lineage:
The scientific classification of this small Wildcat and its subspecies has been open to considerable debate. In 2017, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global authority on the status of threatened and endangered species, set up the Cat Classification Task Force to determine the classification of the Wildcat. This task force recognized two separate Wildcat species: the European Wildcat and the African Wildcat. The AWC has three subspecies distinguished by their different geographic ranges. The Northern African Wildcat lives in eastern, western, and northern Africa, the Southern African Wildcat lives in southern Africa, and the Asiatic Wildcat lives in southwest and central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Mongolia, and China. Alley Cat Rescue focuses their conservation work on the Southern African Wildcat (Felis lybica cafra).
Geographic Range:
The African Wildcat has a broad geographic range and can be found across Africa, the Near East, and around the periphery of the Arabian Peninsula. AWC’s living on the Arabian Peninsula along the Caspian Sea hybridized with the Asian Wildcat. The Southern AWC lives in Southern Africa, and it is believed that their geographic range begins in Tanzania and Mozambique.
The cat has a high tolerance for diverse environments, inhabiting mountains, plains, grasslands, brushlands, and deserts. The cats have large home ranges which are currently threatened by increased urbanization. One study found that male AWCs had a home range of 7.7 km2 while the female AWCs had a range of 3.5 km2 (Le Roux et al., 2014).
Appearance:
AWCs look similar to domestic cats due to their close genetic makeup, however, the two species do have several distinctions. True AWCs don’t have any white markings on their coat and have unusually long front legs which causes a loose-limbed gait comparable to the cheetah. They can have a range of coat colors depending on their habitat: from light, sandy stripes in the deserts to dark grey/brown stripes in the forested areas. Regardless of their habitat, AWCs have distinctive black stripes that run horizontal along the cheeks, definitive black rings that circle the legs and tail, and they usually have rusty-red ears. They’re also comparable in size and weight to the domestic cat.
Threats:
The largest threat to future populations of AWCs is hybridization. Studies have found that Wildcats and domestic cats can mate and create fertile offspring that are hybrids of the two separate species. The exact rate of hybridization of AWCs is unknown due to limited studies and, again, because of the difficulty differentiating between the two species. Hybridization threatens the future of the AWC by compromising the species’ genetic integrity.
Although the AWC and domestic cat have similarities, they are two genetically distinguishable species. When an AWC and domestic cat mate, the offspring will not inherit all of the genetic traits of the AWC. The AWC has evolved to have advantageous traits that help them survive. Hybridization can result in a phenomenon called outbreeding depression, where the mating of two genetically distinct individuals results in the offspring having lower chances of survival because of the loss of certain genes.
Hybridization also decreases the number of pure AWCs making conservation efforts more difficult. A study analyzing the genes of AWCs found the purest individuals live in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Parkㅡthe Kalahari Desert region of Botswana and South Africa, bordering Namibia to the westㅡwhere the area is protected. AWCs with much higher rates of hybridization were found in Kruger National Park in South Africa, where Alley Cat Rescue focuses their conservation efforts (Le Roux et al., 2014).
Another issue with hybridization is the potential for the spread of diseases. Feral cats have transmitted illnesses such as feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, calicivirus, and coronavirus to AWCs. It is important to prevent the spread of diseases, especially for a species whose numbers are already declining.
AWCs also face threats from habitat loss. Continued land development pushes the AWCs into smaller and increasingly isolated habitats. In these smaller habitats, AWCs are more likely to come into contact with both humans and domestic cats. There has been a rise in conflict with humans, particularly farmers, who shoot the cats for believing they kill livestock. AWCs also come into contact with domestic cats more frequently, which increases the rate of hybridization. One study on the genetic analysis of AWCs found that individuals were more genetically pure the farther away lived from humans (Le Roux et al., 2014).
Conservation Status:
The Wildcat, including subspecies of AWCs, is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) though the organization does note that Wildcat populations are declining. Currently, the Wildcat is the most common and widely distributed wild felid. Wildcats are listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is an international agreement among countries to protect threatened and endangered species by enforcing international trade standards. As an Appendix II species, the Wildcat is not immediately threatened with extinction, but does need trade sanctions in order to ensure their survival.
One reason AWCs are listed as “Least Concern” is because their exact population numbers are unknown. There is a huge need for additional research to track the number of AWCs currently living in Africa. It has been difficult to estimate their population numbers for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the AWCs look akin to domestic cats and researchers cannot always identify an AWC simply by appearance. Researchers have attempted to humanely trap AWCs to analyze them further, but AWCs are very trap savvy. One study that attempted to humanely trap AWCs found that it took 73 trap nights to catch just one AWC. Additionally, AWCs spend considerable time hiding in bushes, making it hard for researchers to locate them. IUCN notes, “Future research on hybridization levels and fitness consequences of introgression may warrant a reassessment of the Wild Cat as a threatened species...” (Yamaguchi et al., 2015).
Alley Cat Rescue’s Role:
Alley Cat Rescue is working with local South African organizations, game rangers, and resorts/lodges in implementing focused trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts for domestic cats living along game preserve borders. The intent is to maintain populations of genetically pure African Wildcats within these preserves, by preventing interbreeding with domestic cats who live along these bordering territories.
Alley Cat Rescue is also working with local scientists who are researching conservation genetics, behavioral ecology, and sociality and social evolution of the African Wildcat. Particular projects of study are focused on clarifying the current genetic status of the African Wildcat population in terms of its hybridization with feral domestic cats and identifying focal areas for efficient conservation management strategies.
References:
“African Wildcat.” (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/africa/african-wildcat.
Driscoll, C.A., et al. (2007). “The Near Eastern Origin of Cat Domestication.” Science Express, 1-4.
Le Roux, J.J., Foxcroft, L.C., Herbst, M. & MacFadyen, S. (2014). “Genetic analysis shows low levels of hybridization between African wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) and domestic cats (F.s. catus) in South Africa.” Ecology and Evolution, 5(2), 288-299.
Oliveira, R., Godinho, R., Randi, E. & Alves, P.C. (2008). “Hybridization versus conservation: Are domestic cats threatening the genetic integrity of wildcats (Felis sivestris silvestris) in Iberian Peninsula?” Biological Sciences, 363, 1505.
Randi, E., Pierpaoli, M., Beaumont, M., Ragni, B. & Sforzi, A. (2001). “Genetic Identification of Wild and Domestic Cats (Felis silvestris) and Their Hybrids Using Bayesian Clustering Methods.” Molecular Biology and Evolution, 18(9), 1679-1693.
“Wildcat.” (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/wildcat.
Yamaguchi, N., Kitchener, A., Driscoll, C. & Nussberger, B. (2015). “Felis silvestris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015:” e.T60354712A50652361.
The African Wildcat has a broad geographic range and can be found across Africa, the Near East, and around the periphery of the Arabian Peninsula. AWC’s living on the Arabian Peninsula along the Caspian Sea hybridized with the Asian Wildcat. The Southern AWC lives in Southern Africa, and it is believed that their geographic range begins in Tanzania and Mozambique.
The cat has a high tolerance for diverse environments, inhabiting mountains, plains, grasslands, brushlands, and deserts. The cats have large home ranges which are currently threatened by increased urbanization. One study found that male AWCs had a home range of 7.7 km2 while the female AWCs had a range of 3.5 km2 (Le Roux et al., 2014).
Appearance:
AWCs look similar to domestic cats due to their close genetic makeup, however, the two species do have several distinctions. True AWCs don’t have any white markings on their coat and have unusually long front legs which causes a loose-limbed gait comparable to the cheetah. They can have a range of coat colors depending on their habitat: from light, sandy stripes in the deserts to dark grey/brown stripes in the forested areas. Regardless of their habitat, AWCs have distinctive black stripes that run horizontal along the cheeks, definitive black rings that circle the legs and tail, and they usually have rusty-red ears. They’re also comparable in size and weight to the domestic cat.
Threats:
The largest threat to future populations of AWCs is hybridization. Studies have found that Wildcats and domestic cats can mate and create fertile offspring that are hybrids of the two separate species. The exact rate of hybridization of AWCs is unknown due to limited studies and, again, because of the difficulty differentiating between the two species. Hybridization threatens the future of the AWC by compromising the species’ genetic integrity.
Although the AWC and domestic cat have similarities, they are two genetically distinguishable species. When an AWC and domestic cat mate, the offspring will not inherit all of the genetic traits of the AWC. The AWC has evolved to have advantageous traits that help them survive. Hybridization can result in a phenomenon called outbreeding depression, where the mating of two genetically distinct individuals results in the offspring having lower chances of survival because of the loss of certain genes.
Hybridization also decreases the number of pure AWCs making conservation efforts more difficult. A study analyzing the genes of AWCs found the purest individuals live in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Parkㅡthe Kalahari Desert region of Botswana and South Africa, bordering Namibia to the westㅡwhere the area is protected. AWCs with much higher rates of hybridization were found in Kruger National Park in South Africa, where Alley Cat Rescue focuses their conservation efforts (Le Roux et al., 2014).
Another issue with hybridization is the potential for the spread of diseases. Feral cats have transmitted illnesses such as feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, calicivirus, and coronavirus to AWCs. It is important to prevent the spread of diseases, especially for a species whose numbers are already declining.
AWCs also face threats from habitat loss. Continued land development pushes the AWCs into smaller and increasingly isolated habitats. In these smaller habitats, AWCs are more likely to come into contact with both humans and domestic cats. There has been a rise in conflict with humans, particularly farmers, who shoot the cats for believing they kill livestock. AWCs also come into contact with domestic cats more frequently, which increases the rate of hybridization. One study on the genetic analysis of AWCs found that individuals were more genetically pure the farther away lived from humans (Le Roux et al., 2014).
Conservation Status:
The Wildcat, including subspecies of AWCs, is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) though the organization does note that Wildcat populations are declining. Currently, the Wildcat is the most common and widely distributed wild felid. Wildcats are listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is an international agreement among countries to protect threatened and endangered species by enforcing international trade standards. As an Appendix II species, the Wildcat is not immediately threatened with extinction, but does need trade sanctions in order to ensure their survival.
One reason AWCs are listed as “Least Concern” is because their exact population numbers are unknown. There is a huge need for additional research to track the number of AWCs currently living in Africa. It has been difficult to estimate their population numbers for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the AWCs look akin to domestic cats and researchers cannot always identify an AWC simply by appearance. Researchers have attempted to humanely trap AWCs to analyze them further, but AWCs are very trap savvy. One study that attempted to humanely trap AWCs found that it took 73 trap nights to catch just one AWC. Additionally, AWCs spend considerable time hiding in bushes, making it hard for researchers to locate them. IUCN notes, “Future research on hybridization levels and fitness consequences of introgression may warrant a reassessment of the Wild Cat as a threatened species...” (Yamaguchi et al., 2015).
Alley Cat Rescue’s Role:
Alley Cat Rescue is working with local South African organizations, game rangers, and resorts/lodges in implementing focused trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts for domestic cats living along game preserve borders. The intent is to maintain populations of genetically pure African Wildcats within these preserves, by preventing interbreeding with domestic cats who live along these bordering territories.
Alley Cat Rescue is also working with local scientists who are researching conservation genetics, behavioral ecology, and sociality and social evolution of the African Wildcat. Particular projects of study are focused on clarifying the current genetic status of the African Wildcat population in terms of its hybridization with feral domestic cats and identifying focal areas for efficient conservation management strategies.
References:
“African Wildcat.” (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/africa/african-wildcat.
Driscoll, C.A., et al. (2007). “The Near Eastern Origin of Cat Domestication.” Science Express, 1-4.
Le Roux, J.J., Foxcroft, L.C., Herbst, M. & MacFadyen, S. (2014). “Genetic analysis shows low levels of hybridization between African wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) and domestic cats (F.s. catus) in South Africa.” Ecology and Evolution, 5(2), 288-299.
Oliveira, R., Godinho, R., Randi, E. & Alves, P.C. (2008). “Hybridization versus conservation: Are domestic cats threatening the genetic integrity of wildcats (Felis sivestris silvestris) in Iberian Peninsula?” Biological Sciences, 363, 1505.
Randi, E., Pierpaoli, M., Beaumont, M., Ragni, B. & Sforzi, A. (2001). “Genetic Identification of Wild and Domestic Cats (Felis silvestris) and Their Hybrids Using Bayesian Clustering Methods.” Molecular Biology and Evolution, 18(9), 1679-1693.
“Wildcat.” (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/wildcat.
Yamaguchi, N., Kitchener, A., Driscoll, C. & Nussberger, B. (2015). “Felis silvestris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015:” e.T60354712A50652361.
