Slovensko – Česko
Title: European Wildcat – A Flagship Species for Biodiversity Conservation
Řešitel: Mgr. Jarmila Krojerová, Ph.D.
Období 1. 8. 2025 — 31. 7. 2027
Akronym: Felis SK-CZ II
Kód projektu v ITMS21+: 403201DWW6
Celkový rozpočet: 756 510,33 €
Příspěvek EFRR: 648 313,27 €
Program: Interreg Slovensko – Česko 2021–2027
Webové stránky: www.sk-cz.eu
Project Partners:
Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (Lead Partner)
Technical University in Zvolen (Main Cross-Border Partner)
Friends of the Earth Czech Republic, Carnivore Conservation Programme (Project Partner 1)
Mendel University in Brno (Project Partner 2)
National Zoological Garden Bojnice (Project Partner 3)
Project Objectives and Activities:
The previous project We are looking for a wildcat! confirmed the presence of the European wildcat in the Czech-Slovak border region and established a suitable methodology for its monitoring. The current proposal expands wildcat monitoring to new areas within this area, particularly on the Czech side, and focuses more closely on factors affecting wildcat occurrence. It intensifies the monitoring of hybridisation with domestic cats, which has been identified as a major threat to the wildcat population in this region. The project also focuses on assessing the population's health status (including screening for viruses transmissible from domestic cats) and on wildcat habitat selection using telemetry monitoring of selected individuals. It analyses the quality of habitats where the wildcat occurs in terms of structure and food availability (by trapping small terrestrial mammals). In addition to fostering active cross-border cooperation and gathering crucial scientific data for species protection, the project also aims to develop two strategic documents for nature protection authorities—addressing the issues of hybridisation and habitat conservation. Public education through expert workshops and other awareness-raising activities focused on biodiversity conservation in the region are also key components of the project.