Felis silvestris

Conservation status (CH)
Near Threatened

By 1900, the wildcat had been almost completely eradicated
from Switzerland, being considered a pest like any other
predator. Since 1962, the species has been legally protected.
Today it is found mainly in the Jura, but it continues to spread
to other regions. Extensive wilderness areas are not always
necessary for it — and other wildlife species — to become
established. Often it is sufficient if migration corridors are
available, consisting of protective “islands”, such as hedgerows
and bushes, combined with wildlife crossings over roads. After
the 2000s, the first wildcats reached the Seeland region —
probably via corridors of this kind.