Domestic Cats Threaten Island Wildcats

Small, isolated wild populations (here, ~150 Tsushima leopard cats) can be rapidly genetically swamped if they interbreed with introduced or free-roaming domestic cats. Appearance-based alarms (short tails) can mislead managers, so genome-wide screening and noninvasive genetic monitoring are essential tools to detect introgression early and guide interventions such as cat control, sterilization, or pet regulation. — Raises practical policy questions about pet control, biosecurity, and funding for genetic monitoring of endangered island species that can be implemented by local governments and conservation bodies.