Historical records indicate that the species was driven to local extinction due to heavy hunting by the mid-19th century. However, recent photos, videos, and genetic evidence validate the wildcat's reappearance.
Return of the felis silvestris
The Brandenburg Ministry of the Environment reported in November 2023 that multiple wildcats have been documented in regions such as High and Low Fläming and Schorfheide. Specifically, nine individuals have been recorded in High Fläming and three in Jüterbog. These wildcats appear to have established a permanent presence, with photographic evidence indicating successful breeding.
Despite this conservation success, animal rights activists are raising alarms about potential crossbreeding with domestic cats. The German Wildlife Foundation has expressed concerns that wildcats living near humans may mate with free-roaming or feral domestic cats, threatening the genetic purity of the strictly protected European wildcat.
Compromise conservation
Conservation geneticists have observed a relatively low level of crossbreeding in most areas, though some regions are experiencing an increase. If unchecked, this trend could jeopardise decades of conservation efforts to preserve the European wildcat's genetic integrity.
Conservationists emphasise the need for vigilant monitoring and proactive measures to ensure the European wildcat's survival in Brandenburg.
