Multi-scale modeling of continent-wide tracking data confirms the importance of landscape mosaics for the European wildcat

Context Land use change is a major threat to the persistence of wildlife in human-dominated landscapes, making the knowledge of the amount and spatial configuration of suitable habitat essential for conservation. The European wildcat ( Felis silvestris ) currently persists in fragmented populations and faces ever increasing human pressure. Objectives We modeled and mapped suitable wildcat habitats at the continental scale, to identify opportunities and constraints for its conservation. Methods We compiled a large telemetry dataset comprising 200 wildcats across Europe and developed multi-scale habitat suitability models using Maxent. Habitat selection was analyzed at two hierarchical levels: home-range placement within the wider landscape and selection within the established home ranges. Results At both levels, wildcats selected broadleaved forests, mixed forests, and grasslands, while avoiding landscapes dominated by large continuous forests. For home-range placement, they preferred lower terrain ruggedness and less intensive agriculture. Within the home ranges, wildcats selected forest edges and small woody features. Conclusions Our results highlight the importance of heterogeneous forest–grassland mosaics habitats. More than half of the predicted suitable habitat occurred outside protected areas, highlighting the need for effective conservation strategies beyond their borders. Predictions of suitable areas should, however, be interpreted cautiously in regions where environmental conditions extend beyond those represented in the calibration data. By providing the first continental-scale habitat suitability map based on a large European telemetry dataset, our study offers a spatial foundation for identifying conservation priorities and supporting the long-term connectivity and recovery of wildcat populations.