Long-term changes in diet and trophic niche of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) in Italy

Previous studies on the feeding habits of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) have shown high variability in the diet and in the degree of trophic specialisation of this felid. In order to update and improve the knowledge about the feeding habits of this carnivore, its diet and trophic niche in Italy were examined based on the material collected in 1996–2003 and compared with data obtained in 1968–1987 and with those from literature concerning other European areas. The present study pointed out that in Italy, the European wildcat displayed a broad dietary spectrum. Rodents permanently constituted the main food category; however, the most consumed prey shifted from Cricetidae in the past to Muridae more recently. Through time, the felid has changed its main prey and exploited a greater number of food categories reducing the predominant consumption of some of them. These changes involved an increase of the diet diversity resulting in a widening of the trophic niche and an incomplete niche overlap between time periods. Long-term changes in diet and trophic niche of the European wildcat which were found in this study indicate high flexibility of its feeding habits. This was confirmed by a review of the relevant literature on wildcat diet in Europe, which highlights the ability of this felid to either specialise on different main food items or to widen its feeding spectrum depending on the availability of prey.