Road use by the Iriomote Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis) on Iriomote-Jima Island in Relation to its Herpetile Prey

A critical link between the Iriomote cat's road use and its herpetile prey has been identified, offering new insights into conservation strategies for this endangered subspecies. The study found that diurnal lizard density and the presence of road-killed frogs (Fejervarya sakishimensis) were strongly correlated with the Iriomote cat's scat along roads, suggesting that prey abundance drives its movement onto paved routes in Iriomote-jima Island, Japan. This behavior not only increases traffic mortality but also alters its preferred lowland habitats. The research used nested generalized linear models to analyze scat surveys and prey density data collected between 2009–2013, examining factors such as road type, habitat, construction activity, and survey region. These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation measures that address both prey availability and road safety to protect this critically endangered wildcat.

(Ed.). (2013). Road use by the Iriomote Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis) on Iriomote-Jima Island in Relation to its Herpetile Prey. Mammal Study, 38(2), 73. https://doi.org/10.3106/041.038.0202