Introduced cats (Felis catus) eating a continental fauna: The number of mammals killed in Australia

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 237, P. 28 - 40

Published: June 20, 2019

Language: Английский

---

How many reptiles are killed by cats in Australia?

Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 45(3), P. 247 - 247

Published: Jan. 1, 2018

Context Feral cats (Felis catus) are a threat to biodiversity globally, but their impacts upon continental reptile faunas have been poorly resolved. Aims To estimate the number of reptiles killed annually in Australia by and list Australian species known be cats. Methods We used (1) data from >80 studies cat diet (collectively >10 000 samples), (2) estimates feral population size, model map Key results Australia’s natural environments kill 466 million yr–1 (95% CI; 271–1006 million). The tally varies substantially among years, depending on changes driven rainfall inland Australia. is highest arid regions. On average, 61 km–2 year–1, an individual kills 225 year–1. take per higher than reported for other continents. Reptiles occur at incidence main introduced predator, European red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Based smaller sample we 130 year–1 highly modified landscapes, 53 pet cats, summing 649 all Predation 258 (about one-quarter described species), including 11 threatened species. Conclusions Cat predation exerts considerable ongoing toll reptiles. However, it remains challenging interpret impact this terms viability or conservation concern reptiles, because size unknown most species, mortality rates due will vary across there likely marked variation capability sustain any particular rate. Implications This study provides well grounded numbers intensive required contextualise consequences such predation.

Language: Английский

---

The threats to Australia’s imperilled species and implications for a national conservation response

Pacific Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 25(3), P. 231 - 231

Published: Sept. 16, 2018

Since European occupation of Australia, human activities have caused the dramatic decline and sometimes extinction many continent’s unique species. Here we provide a comprehensive review threats to species listed as threatened under Australia’s Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Following accepted global categories threat, find that invasive affect largest number (1257 species, or 82% all species); ecosystem modifications (e.g. fire) (74% species) agricultural activity (57%) are also important. The ranking was largely consistent across taxonomic groups degree species’ endangerment. These results were significantly different (P<0.01) from recent analyses globally, which highlighted overexploitation, agriculture urban development major causes decline. Australia is distinct not only in biodiversity it contains but extent mixture processes threaten survival these Notably, IUCN threat classification scheme separates numerous development, agriculture, mining) cause habitat loss, fragmentation degradation, hence further research required quantify net impact types change. We feasible suggestions for more coordinated national approach conservation, could decision makers managers at levels with improved resources information on management. Adequate policy, legislative support funding critical ensuring on-ground management successful halting

Language: Английский

---

Domestic cats and their impacts on biodiversity: A blind spot in the application of nature conservation law

People and Nature, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 2(1), P. 235 - 250

Published: Feb. 4, 2020

Abstract Free‐ranging domestic cats Felis catus , from owned pets to feral cats, impact biodiversity through predation, fear effects, competition, disease and hybridization. Scientific knowledge regarding these impacts has recently increased, making it timely assess the role of nature conservation legislation in this connection. We do so with particular regard obligations governments around world under international wildlife law. First, we provide an overview current knowledge, based on a literature review, concerning ways which wildlife; resulting effects native species’ populations ecosystems; available strategies for addressing issues. In light using standard legal research methodology, then identify interpret relevant instruments, focus treaties. Lastly, factors that may influence implementation obligations. The outcomes analysis indicate numerous relevance free‐ranging already apply global treaties such as Convention Biological Diversity, Migratory Species World Heritage Convention, range regional instruments conservation. Of significance are (a) invasive alien species; (b) protected areas (c) species. Many national authorities currently required, law, adopt implement policies aimed at preventing, reducing or eliminating by removing other unowned landscape greatest extent possible restricting outdoor access cats. Factors can impair application include considerations feasibility, scientific uncertainty, interests cat owners (perceived) themselves. Even if some explain why many have hitherto failed take effective action address threats posed perspective little ground justifying non‐compliance A free Plain Language Summary be found within Supporting Information article.

Language: Английский

---

We need to worry about Bella and Charlie: the impacts of pet cats on Australian wildlife

Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 47(8), P. 523 - 523

Published: Jan. 1, 2020

Research and management attention on the impacts of introduced domestic cat (Felis catus) Australian fauna have focussed mainly feral population. Here, we summarise evidence for predation by pet cats wildlife. We collate examples local wildlife population decline extirpation as a result, at least in part, cats. assemble information across 66 studies worldwide (including 24 studies) to estimate toll Australia, plus pressure per unit area residential areas. compared these estimates those published Australia. The capita kill rate is 25% that However, live much higher densities, so pets square kilometre areas 28–52 times larger than rates natural environments, 1.3–2.3 greater km2 living urban Pet species more often do but, nonetheless, native animals killed still There no exert significant control species. high areas, documented declines extirpations populations caused cats, potential pathways other, indirect effects (e.g. from disease, landscapes fear, ecological footprints), context extraordinary fauna, together support default position are serious should be reduced. From technical perspective, can reduced effectively humanely while also enhancing welfare. review options reducing discuss opportunities challenges improved

Language: Английский

---

The small home ranges and large local ecological impacts of pet cats

Animal Conservation, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 23(5), P. 516 - 523

Published: March 11, 2020

Abstract Domestic cats ( Felis catus ) are a conservation concern because they kill billions of native prey each year, but without spatial context the ecological importance pets as predators remains uncertain. We worked with citizen scientists to track 925 pet from six countries, finding remarkably small home ranges (3.6 ± 5.6 ha). Only three ranged > 1 km 2 and we found no relationship between range size presence larger (i.e. coyotes, Canis latrans ). Most (75%) used primarily (90%) disturbed habitats. Owners reported that their killed an average 3.5 items/month, leading estimated impact per cat 14.2‐38.9 ha −1 yr . This is similar or higher than per‐animal wild carnivores effect amplified by high density in neighborhoods. As result, around world have greater concentrated within ~100 m homes.

Language: Английский

---

Introduced cats Felis catus eating a continental fauna: inventory and traits of Australian mammal species killed

Mammal Review, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 49(4), P. 354 - 368

Published: Aug. 19, 2019

Abstract Mammals comprise the bulk of diet free‐ranging domestic cats Felis catus (defined as including outdoor pet cats, strays, and feral cats) in most parts their global range. In Australia, predation by introduced has been implicated extinction many mammal species, ongoing decline extant species. Here, we collate a wide range records (including on Australian mammals model traits extant, terrestrial, native species associated with relative likelihood cat predation. We explicitly seek to overcome biases such continental‐scale compilation excluding possible carrion for larger accounting differences distribution abundance potential prey well study effort, throughout each species’ For non‐volant was greatest an intermediate weight (peaking at ca. 400 g), lower rainfall areas not dwelling rocky habitats. Previous studies have shown rates be these traits. As such, provide first link between through quantitative analysis. Our (151 or 52% complement) is substantially greater than previously reported (88 species) includes 50 listed threatened IUCN under legislation (57% Australia's 87 terrestrial species). identify likely (mulgaras Dasycercus spp., kowari Dasyuroides byrnei , smaller dasyurids medium‐sized large rodents, among others) hence benefit from enhanced mitigation impacts, translocations predator‐free islands, establishment predator‐proof fenced exclosures, broad‐scale poison baiting.

Language: Английский

---

Counting the bodies: Estimating the numbers and spatial variation of Australian reptiles, birds and mammals killed by two invasive mesopredators

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 28(5), P. 976 - 991

Published: March 15, 2022

Abstract Aim Introduced predators negatively impact biodiversity globally, with insular fauna often most severely affected. Here, we assess spatial variation in the number of terrestrial vertebrates (excluding amphibians) killed by two mammalian mesopredators introduced to Australia, red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) and feral cat Felis catus ). We aim identify prey groups that suffer especially high rates predation, regions where losses foxes and/or cats are substantial. Location Australia. Methods draw information on tallies reptiles, birds mammals Australia from published studies. derive for predation (i) modelling continental‐scale density, (ii) frequency occurrence diet, (iii) analysing individuals within dietary samples (iv) discounting animals taken as carrion. point estimates numbers annually map these tallies. Results Foxes kill more (peaking at 1071 km −2 year −1 than (55 across unmodified temperate forested areas mainland reflecting generally higher density environments. However, continent – mainly arid central tropical northern (and Australian islands) foxes. estimate together 697 million reptiles 510 1435 mammals. Main conclusions This analysis demonstrates species takes a substantial ongoing toll Continuing population declines potential extinctions some threatens further compound Australia's poor contemporary conservation record.

Language: Английский

---

Declining but not (yet) threatened: a challenge for avian conservation in Australia

Emu - Austral Ornithology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 124(1), P. 123 - 145

Published: Jan. 2, 2024

Threatened species receive much attention in conservation science and practice. Species currently declining, but not yet listed as threatened, also deserve consideration to reduce their risk of sliding towards extinction maintain functional roles ecosystems. Information on declining bird Australia is available from four main sources: national databases, syntheses historical change, regional monitoring programmes summaries for guilds species. Many show evidence decline; declines are occurring nation-wide, they ongoing. Trends individual vary geographically; may be part range stable elsewhere. Common trajectories population decline include: (a) a downward linear trend; (b) marked downturn, sustained at lower level; (c) fluctuations through time associated with episodic events (e.g. drought) incomplete recovery. Ongoing affect ecosystems reduced richness, homogenisation communities, changes interspecific interactions ecosystem services, contributing debt. Improving the outlook requires systematic know where, when how occurring, together protection critical habitats source populations, ambitious restoration, identification effective control threats. Responding offers opportunities community engagement, action local level. New ways needed incorporate such planning environmental regulation scale, give them greater visibility avoid accumulating until taxa become nationally threatened.

Language: Английский

---

Temporal and Space-Use Changes by Rats in Response to Predation by Feral Cats in an Urban Ecosystem

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 6

Published: Sept. 27, 2018

Feral cats (Felis catus) are predators that cause widespread loss of native wildlife in urban ecosystems. Despite these risks, commonly released as control agents for city rats (Rattus spp.). Cats can influence their prey directly by killing or indirectly through changes to feeding space-use. However, prefer defenseless prey, and there no data suggesting large (>300g) rats. We used a pre-existing radiofrequency identification assay (microchipped field cameras) ethograms assess the impact cats, including temporal space use patterns, on an active rat colony. From Dec 27, 2017 May 28, 2018 we captured 306 videos pre-identified and/or shared same space. There were three instances predation 20 stalking events. Logistic regression showed likelihood being seen particular day is associated with number (OR=0.1, p<0.001) previous (OR=0.15, p<0.001). Space-use was also impacted. For every additional cat sighting, 1.19 times more likely move direction shelter. Our findings low levels support why ecologists believe risks outweighs any benefits releasing cats. Even though less be seen, they simply shifted movements remained present system. presence led fewer sightings may explain common perception value rat-predators despite risks.

Language: Английский

---