Home range sizes of wildcats (Felis silvestris) and feral domestic cats (Felis silvestris f. catus) in a hilly region of Hungary

The most important factor concerning wild cat populations is the Loss of habitat. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the size of the home ranges of wild and domestic cats along with the features of these areas (vegetation, elevation, proximity to human settlement, etc.). A total of 16 wildcats and 19 domestic cats were caught and fitted with radio collars within the period between 1989-1993. It was possible to analyze the radiotelemetry data of 4 wildcats and 3 domestic cats. It resulted that the wildcats occupied Larger home ranges than the domestic cats, however, there were exceptions. Home range size variability was extensive in both species. The mates occupied Larger areas than the females. This was most likely due to the reproductional. wandering of mates into female home ranges. Also the overlap between the home ranges of mates was Larger than that of females. However, there were very small. overlaps between the core areas. No cats used the same sites at the same time. This indicates that the home ranges of cats exist only in space and time as well. Although these animals are solitary, there was some indication that hierarchy exists between mates.