What's on the menu? Examining native apex‐ and invasive meso‐predator diets to understand impacts on ecosystems DOI Creative Commons
Rachel T. Mason, Anthony R. Rendall, R. Sinclair

et al.

Ecological Solutions and Evidence, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 6(2)

Published: April 1, 2025

Abstract Understanding how carnivores impact ecological communities is essential for guiding effective management actions and conserving biodiversity. Quantifying predators' diets, including prey selectivity, allows the assessment of relative effects native invasive predators may have on populations. In Australia, populations a native, terrestrial apex predator, dingo Canis dingo/C. familiaris , introduced subordinate mesopredators, European red fox Vulpes vulpes feral cat Felis catus co‐occur, but there limited understanding their impacts in different ecosystems. To assess possible dingoes, foxes cats prey, we examined diet selectivity across ~10,000 km 2 semi‐arid mallee ecosystem. Using macroscopic scat analysis, identified strong dietary niche separation. Larger‐bodied dingoes primarily consumed large marsupial herbivores, whereas smaller rodents birds. Foxes had broadest diet, greatest overlap with ( = 0.81), compared 0.50) or between 0.36). Livestock were 2% 7% scats. Cats more than 15 times volume small mammals threatened species such as fat‐tailed dunnarts Sminthopsis crassicaudata . also selectively to estimated availability fewer mammals. contrast, birds echidnas availability. Our results suggest intraguild competition within this ecosystem, are exerting top‐down pressure mesopredators disproportionately impacting Practical implication findings that ongoing conservation must consider variation roles these predator species, avoid indiscriminate lethal control methods. actual, rather assumed, herbivores livestock achieve integrated ecosystem management.

Language: Английский

Introduced cats (Felis catus) eating a continental fauna: The number of mammals killed in Australia DOI
Brett P. Murphy, Leigh‐Ann Woolley, Hayley M. Geyle

et al.

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

Published: June 20, 2019

Language: Английский

Citations

105
Domestic cats and their impacts on biodiversity: A blind spot in the application of nature conservation law DOI Creative Commons
Arie Trouwborst, Phillipa C. McCormack,

Elvira Martínez Camacho

et al.

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

Citations

94
Review and synthesis of the global literature on domestic cat impacts on wildlife DOI Creative Commons
Scott R. Loss,

Brooke A. Boughton,

Samantha M. Cady

et al.

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 91(7), P. 1361 - 1372

Published: May 20, 2022

A vast global literature documents that free-roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) have substantial negative effects on wildlife, including through predation, fear, disease and competition-related impacts contributed to numerous wildlife extinctions population declines worldwide. However, no study has synthesized this cat evaluate its overarching biases major gaps. To direct future research conservation related we conducted a review entailed evaluation synthesis of patterns gaps in the geographic context, methods types studied. Our systematic search compiled 2245 publications. We extracted information from 332 these meeting inclusion criteria designed ensure relevance studies analysed. This highlights focus oceanic islands, Australia, Europe, North America, rural areas, unowned cats, at species levels. Key advances needed better understand manage include more underrepresented, highly biodiverse regions (Africa, Asia, South America), other than reduce wildlife. The identified areas into will be critical further clarifying role implementing science-driven policy management benefit efforts.

Language: Английский

Citations

45
A global synthesis and assessment of free-ranging domestic cat diet DOI Creative Commons
Christopher A. Lepczyk, Jean Fantle‐Lepczyk, Kylee D. Dunham

et al.

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Dec. 12, 2023

Free-ranging cats (Felis catus) are globally distributed invasive carnivores that markedly impact biodiversity. Here, to evaluate the potential threat of cats, we develop a comprehensive global assessment species consumed by cats. We identify 2,084 eaten which 347 (16.65%) conservation concern. Islands contain threefold more concern than continents do. Birds, reptiles, and mammals constitute ~90% consumed, with insects amphibians being less frequent. Approximately 9% known birds, 6% mammals, 4% reptile identified in cat diets. 97% <5 kg adult body mass, though much larger also eaten. The accumulation curves not asymptotic, indicating our estimates conservative. Our results demonstrate extreme generalist predators, is critical for understanding their on ecological systems developing management solutions.

Language: Английский

Citations

29
We need to worry about Bella and Charlie: the impacts of pet cats on Australian wildlife DOI Creative Commons
Sarah Legge, John C. Z. Woinarski, Chris R. Dickman

et al.

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

Citations

69
Introduced cats Felis catus eating a continental fauna: inventory and traits of Australian mammal species killed DOI
Leigh‐Ann Woolley, Hayley M. Geyle, Brett P. Murphy

et al.

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

Citations

62
Geographic and taxonomic patterns of extinction risk in Australian squamates DOI
Reid Tingley, Stewart Macdonald, Nicola J. Mitchell

et al.

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 238, P. 108203 - 108203

Published: Aug. 10, 2019

Language: Английский

Citations

61
Building biodiversity into the urban fabric: A case study in applying Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design (BSUD) DOI Creative Commons
Holly Kirk, Georgia E. Garrard, Thami Croeser

et al.

Urban forestry & urban greening, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 62, P. 127176 - 127176

Published: May 10, 2021

Biodiversity within cities is fundamental for human health and well-being, delivers a wide range of critical ecosystem services. However, biodiversity often viewed as an afterthought or final addition once urban development nears completion. As such, provisions are typically tokenistic do not achieve the experience everyday nature that people need. Considering requirements at start allows strategic, intentional design with enhancement in mind. Sensitive Urban Design (BSUD) protocol aims to create areas deliver on-site benefit native species ecosystems through provision essential habitat food resources. Here we present case study demonstrating how BSUD methods can be used (a) encourage successful outcomes nature, (b) improve aesthetics liveability form, (c) engage stakeholders process supports other aspects including park streetscape design. Fishermans Bend (Melbourne) largest renewal project Australia, one first this scale explicitly include targets. We outline co-create objectives diverse stakeholders, these, combined quantitative analysis their potential impact, were translated into clear planning recommendations. critically reflect on success method 1) communicating facilitating across different 2) providing messaging around disciplines.

Language: Английский

Citations

55
Caught on camera: The impacts of urban domestic cats on wild prey in an African city and neighbouring protected areas DOI Creative Commons
Colleen L. Seymour, Robert E. Simmons,

Frances Morling

et al.

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 23, P. e01198 - e01198

Published: July 20, 2020

Domestic cats (Felis catus) have contributed to the extinction of indigenous species worldwide, but impacts in Africa are unstudied. We compare prey returned home from three questionnaire surveys (2009, 2010 and 2013/14) Cape Town, South Africa, with footage some same wearing animal-borne video cameras (KittyCams), assess differences actual predation vs. returns. Town borders Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), so may on animals a protected area. Urban edge (UE) deep urban (DU) did not differ rates, suite killed differed significantly. KittyCams revealed that most was nocturnal, only 18% recorded were home, thus kill 5.56 times more (averaged across all taxa) than returns data suggest. Reptiles constituted 50% prey, 17% returns; mammals 24% 54% Non-native represented 6% by UE DU cats, respectively, pointing high cost cat for native fauna. Applying correction factor 5.56, average domestic kills c. 90 (95% CI = 59, 123), animals.year−1. Thus, approximately 300 000 27.5 million animals.year−1, TMNP is likely lose 203 500 annually within its boundaries. The scale this necessitates conservation options minimise wildlife, particularly near areas.

Language: Английский

Citations

53
Counting the bodies: Estimating the numbers and spatial variation of Australian reptiles, birds and mammals killed by two invasive mesopredators DOI
Alyson M. Stobo‐Wilson, Brett P. Murphy, Sarah Legge

et al.

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

Citations

38