Sardinian lynx
The Sardinian wildcat is an isolated population of feral cats (Felis catus) on the island of Sardinia, introduced during the Roman Empire. It has historically been misidentified as a Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and an African wildcat (Felis lybica). Under the name Felis lybica sarda, it is locally protected as a rare species.
Sardinian wildcats were described to have long and dense fur. It is fulvous on the back and whitish on the belly.
These wildcats are found on the island of Sardinia, a region of Italy. Feral cats typically inhabit grasslands, woodlands, and urban, suburban, and agricultural areas.
Little is known about the behavior of Sardinian wildcats. In general feral cats are most active after dusk. They live in colonies, which are located close to food sources and shelter. Different types of hierarchies have been observed in colonies, including despotic and linear hierarchies. Some colonies are organized in more complex structures, such as relative hierarchies, where the social status of individual cats varies, depending on location, time of day, or the activity the cats are engaged in, particularly feeding and mating. Feral cats may move from colony to colony when home ranges overlap. Most feral cats have small home ranges, although some are more transient and travel long distances. The home ranges of male feral cats are generally two or three times larger than those of female cats. In a free-roaming environment, feral cats avoid humans. They do not allow themselves to be handled or touched by humans, and back away or run when they are able to do so. If trapped, they hiss, growl, bare their teeth, or strike out. They remain fairly hidden from humans and will not approach, although some feral cats gradually become more comfortable around humans who feed them regularly.
Generally, feral cats are either mesopredators (mid-ranking predators) or apex predators (top predators) in their native ranges. Their diet includes a wide variety of both vertebrates and invertebrates, including mammals, birds, and lizards. They prefer to prey on smaller animals with body weights under 100 g (3.5 oz).
Little information is known about the reproductive habits of Sardinian wildcats. Generally, feral cats become reproductively mature at the age of around 6 months and can reproduce many times throughout the year. Kittens are born blind and helpless and require a mother’s care.
There are no major threats to Sardian wildcats at present.
The population size of the Sardinian wildcat and its status is unknown.
Like other feral cats Sardinian wildcats may play both positive and negative roles in their native ecosystem. In agricultural areas, they can benefit farmers and be effective at keeping mouse and rat populations low. On the other side due to their predation wildcats can threaten native species with extinction; these may include birds, reptiles, and mammals.
