AUTHOR=Nussberger Beatrice , Barbosa Soraia , Beaumont Mark , Currat Mathias , Devillard Sébastien , Heurich Marco , Howard-McCombe Jo , Mattucci Federica , Nowak Carsten , Quilodrán Claudio Sebastián , Senn Helen , Alves Paulo Célio , EUROWILDCAT Consortium , Götz Malte , Ferreras Pablo , Fischer Dominik , Fischer Luisa , Frangini Lorenzo , Janssen René , Jerosch Saskia , Kitchener Andrew , Krofel Miha , Krojerová-Prokešová Jarmila , Lang Johannes , Lanszki József , MacPherson Jenny , Melovski Dime , Michaux Johan , Migli Despina , Moes Marc , Monterroso Pedro , Nogueira Carolina , Okarma Henryk , Pontier Dominique , Premier Joe , Ruiz-Villar Héctor , Sayol Ferran , Schockert Vinciane , Semple Lara , Sforzi Andrea , Simon Olaf , Sindičić Magda , Soyumert Anil , Spada Arianna , Streif Sabrina , Trinzen Manfred TITLE=A common statement on anthropogenic hybridization of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) JOURNAL=Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution VOLUME=11 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution/articles/10.3389/fevo.2023.1156387 DOI=10.3389/fevo.2023.1156387 ISSN=2296-701X ABSTRACT=

Preserving natural genetic diversity and ecological function of wild species is a central goal in conservation biology. As such, anthropogenic hybridization is considered a threat to wild populations, as it can lead to changes in the genetic makeup of wild species and even to the extinction of wild genomes. In European wildcats, the genetic and ecological impacts of gene flow from domestic cats are mostly unknown at the species scale. However, in small and isolated populations, it is known to include genetic swamping of wild genomes. In this context, it is crucial to better understand the dynamics of hybridization across the species range, to inform and implement management measures that maintain the genetic diversity and integrity of the European wildcat. In the present paper, we aim to provide an overview of the current scientific understanding of anthropogenic hybridization in European wildcats, to clarify important aspects regarding the evaluation of hybridization given the available methodologies, and to propose guidelines for management and research priorities.