Moreover, given the likelihood of population expansion in Poland to the north of the Carpathians, it is likely that natural dispersal could occur within 10 years.

With all continuing and planned conservation actions, the European wildcat is expected to reach a Functional state in the Carpathians within a decade.

Wildcat presence is confirmed in the Carpathians, with pure wildcat individuals reported, and north of the Carpathians, with genetically confirmed hybridisation with domestic cat Felis catus.

Over the last decade, camera-trap monitoring detected several individuals resembling wildcats in the Western Beskids, but their genetic status is yet to be confirmed.

In Poland, the European wildcat is present mainly in the southeastern part of the country, but its status and population trend are unknown.

The distribution of the European wildcat is Largely Depleted in comparison to its indigenous range, with a medium recovery potential – as stated by the IUCN Green Status assessors.

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