A new species of wild mammal might be settling in the forests of Périgord-Limousin. This is the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), a native feline known for its discretion. Traditionally found in the northeastern quarter of France and the Pyrenees, its range appears to be gradually extending southwestward.
In recent years, several visual and photographic sightings in Dordogne and Haute-Vienne have reported animals matching the species' description. More recently, camera traps deployed within the territory of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park have captured images of individuals with the characteristic morphology of the species.
A particularly promising observation was made by the Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Conservatory of Natural Spaces of Nouvelle-Aquitaine): a female accompanied by a young was photographed in the heart of the Park. This discovery suggests that the wildcat may regularly frequent certain areas of Périgord-Limousin, a territory offering favorable conditions.
The wildcat prefers deciduous and mixed forests associated with natural meadows, which provide both refuge and areas rich in prey, primarily small rodents. However, a significant step remains before its presence can be officially confirmed.
The photographic observations will need to be supplemented by genetic analyses. These analyses are essential to validate the species and identify potential hybrids with the domestic cat, as these two species can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. If these analyses confirm the wildcat's presence, it would mark a new mammal species officially recorded within the Park's territory.
