Where does the European wildcat live?
The European wildcat lives in continental Europe, Scotland, Turkey and the Caucasus. It primarily inhabits broad-leaved and mixed forests, and avoids intensively cultivated areas and settlements. There are two disconnected populations in France. It is a close relative of the domestic cat, but sturdier, with a thick ringed tail with a black tip and a denser, more uniform coat.
What does the European wildcat eat?
It preys foremost on small mammals such as lagomorphs and rodents, but also on ground-dwelling birds. In France and Italy, it is predominantly nocturnal, but also active in the daytime when undisturbed by human activities. Its fur is brownish to grey, with stripes on the forehead and on the sides.
Is the European wildcat endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Its head-to-body length reaches up to 65 cm with a 34.5 cm tail, and it weighs up to 7.5 kg. It was described in the late 18th century. It is a small wildcat, and its trait of avoiding intensively farmed land makes it discreet and rarely seen.
