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By their foes and by their kins --- endemic Chinese mountain cats are threatened by domestic dogs and cats
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  • Chunyue Wei,
  • Huaiqing Chen,
  • Zhengyi Dong,
  • Xiang Zhao,
  • Zhi Lu,
  • Xiangying Shi,
  • Xuesong Han
Chunyue Wei
Shan Shui Conservation Center
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Huaiqing Chen
Peking University
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Zhengyi Dong
Shan Shui Conservation Center
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Xiang Zhao
Shan Shui Conservation Center
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Zhi Lu
Peking University
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Xiangying Shi
Peking University
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Xuesong Han
Peking University

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Abstract

The Chinese mountain cat (Felis bieti) is among the most elusive and endangered felid species worldwide and is endemic to the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, China. Currently, the cat is assessed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List based on its ‘likely small population’, ‘high likelihood of fragmentation’, and “probably declining” trend. Specifically, two human activities were identified by the previous studies as the major threats that this unique lineage is faced with, as the large-scale pika poisoning program and illegal hunting prevailing in the area. However, during our monitoring of a breeding family discovered in the Sanjiangyuan Region, two cats of the family were found dead and were most likely killed by free-ranging dogs. Moreover, following genetic analysis indicated that both cats were genetically contaminated by local domestic cats. Consequently, based on the examination of the carcasses, associate genetic analysis, and survey on free-ranging dogs, in this study we identified two so far overlooked threats for the Chinese mountain cats, as the killing by free-ranging dogs and genetic contamination from domestic cats. These threats mark the tricky balance among humans, domestic animals and wildlife in both historical and recently burgeoning human activities, which requires further investigation, research and conservation efforts.
28 Sep 2023Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
09 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
09 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
16 Nov 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
09 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Feb 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
09 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
09 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
09 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Apr 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned