A wildcat was captured on camera at Lake Kerkini during a census of waterbirds. This rare sighting highlights the fascinating biodiversity of the region.

The Wildcat in Greece

According to the Lake Kerkini Management Authority, the wildcat is the only confirmed wild feline species in Greece. The species is scientifically classified as the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), a small carnivorous mammal belonging to the Felis genus within the Felidae family. Despite their resemblance to domestic cats, wildcats are a distinct species with unique characteristics, as noted by the Hellenic Organization for Natural Environment and Climate Change (OFYPEKA).

Unique Characteristics and Behavior

Wildcats primarily inhabit forested areas and are nocturnal creatures with exceptionally sharp senses of sight and hearing. Their agility allows them to climb trees with ease. Wildcats are solitary by nature, except during the mating season. The female takes full responsibility for raising the young, a testament to their independent lifestyle.

Their diet consists mostly of small birds, rodents, other small mammals, frogs, and reptiles. They employ a stealthy hunting strategy, waiting patiently in ambush until their prey comes within striking distance. Males are generally larger than females, reflecting slight sexual dimorphism in the species.

Conservation Status

The European wildcat is strictly protected under multiple international and national frameworks:

• EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC): Listed as a species of community interest requiring strict protection.

• CITES: Recognized as a species subject to specific regulations to ensure its survival.

• Red Data Book: Classified as an endemic subspecies in Greece, highlighting its ecological importance.

The appearance of this elusive predator in Lake Kerkini underscores the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect Greece's diverse wildlife and preserve the natural habitats that sustain it.