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

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Envisioning the future with ‘compassionate conservation’: An ominous projection for native wildlife and biodiversity

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 241, P. 108365 - 108365

Published: Nov. 27, 2019

Language: Английский

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The Impact of Lethal, Enforcement-Centred Cat Management on Human Wellbeing: Exploring Lived Experiences of Cat Carers Affected by Cat Culling at the Port of Newcastle

Animals, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(2), P. 271 - 271

Published: Jan. 12, 2023

In urban and peri-urban areas of the world, free-roaming cats often pose management challenges for authorities. Most are wandering owned or semi-owned (fed by people who do not perceive ownership). Some lost abandoned, unowned obtain food from humans unintentionally. Unidentified classified as “stray” in shelter data, government agencies “feral” based on their behaviour. However, legally feral usually considered to live reproduce wild with no support humans. Cats Australia can be managed using lethal methods, including shooting, poisoning, trapping, blunt trauma. The impact killing animals staff is well documented. previous research has investigated psychological impacts cat citizens care cats. Using semi-structured interviews, this study explored lived experience six caregivers affected instigated Port Newcastle 2020. Results demonstrated strong relationships between cats, negative caregiver health quality life associated management. It recommended that a care-centred approach prioritized future, whereby authorities aid neutering and, if possible, adoption, improve welfare, minimize nuisance complaints, reduce hazards caregivers. Further, revision relevant legislation used distinguish domestic should actioned prevent unnecessary

Language: Английский

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Predation by introduced cats Felis catus on Australian frogs: compilation of species records and estimation of numbers killed

Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 47(8), P. 580 - 580

Published: Jan. 1, 2020

Abstract ContextWe recently estimated the numbers of reptiles, birds and mammals killed by cats (Felis catus) in Australia, with these assessments providing further evidence that have significant impacts on Australian wildlife. No previous studies frogs Australia there is limited comparable information from elsewhere world. AimsWe sought to (1) estimate (2) compile a list frog species known be cats. MethodsFor feral cats, we number their frequency occurrence 53 cat dietary (that examined stomach contents), mean samples contained frogs, Australia. We collated for take pet but base was far sparser. Key resultsFrogs were more likely reported sampled stomachs than scats. The 1.5%. annual per capita consumption Australia’s natural environments 44 and, hence, total at 92 million frogs. 0.26 kill one Thirty native (13% fauna) are cats: this tally does not include any 51 threatened species, may simply because no occurred within small ranges typical species. ConclusionsThe present study indicated nearly 100 annually, research required understand conservation significance such predation rates. ImplicationsThe completed set reviews terrestrial vertebrates. Cat substantial, markedly less mammals.

Language: Английский

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Estimates of wildlife killed by free-ranging cats in China

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 253, P. 108929 - 108929

Published: Dec. 23, 2020

Language: Английский

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Conservation status of the world's skinks (Scincidae): Taxonomic and geographic patterns in extinction risk

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 257, P. 109101 - 109101

Published: April 20, 2021

Language: Английский

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Cats Felis catus as a threat to bats worldwide: a review of the evidence

Mammal Review, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 51(3), P. 323 - 337

Published: Feb. 15, 2021

Abstract Cats Felis catus , in all their forms (domestic, free‐roaming/stray and feral), have been identified as a major global threat to biodiversity, especially birds small mammals. However, there has little previous consideration of the extent impact predation bats by cats, or whether specific characteristics make certain species particularly vulnerable cats. We reviewed cats on bats, based collation scientific literature International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN) Red List database. Our aim was produce synthesis which prey upon threaten bats. also collated available data cat diet, provide information rates Few studies ( n = 44) bat preyed threatened with disproportionate number from islands. In these studies, 86 (about 7% extant tally) are reported about one quarter listed Near Threatened (IUCN categories Critically Endangered, Vulnerable). IUCN assessments, more frequently mentioned than non‐threatened category Least Concern). reporting incidence dietary samples (scats, stomachs guts), frequency occurrence averaged 0.7 ± 2.1% (mean standard deviation; 102). Many had sample sizes that were too be likely detect All kill such terrestrial habitats. conclude is an under‐appreciated world’s species.

Language: Английский

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Putting the cat before the wildlife: Exploring cat owners' beliefs about cat containment as predictors of owner behavior

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 3(10)

Published: July 27, 2021

Abstract Free‐roaming domestic cats pose risks to wildlife, animals, humans, and importantly, the themselves. Behavior change campaigns that seek minimize these by increasing cat containment require an understanding of factors predict owners' behaviors. We conducted online survey in Victoria, Australia ( N = 1,024) identify 220) behaviors containing their cats, explore beliefs attitudes behavior, compare about with respondents do not own 804). found 53% owning allow any roaming. These were more likely hold concerns cats' safety while roaming less perceive have a right roam. Concern impacts wildlife was significant predictor behavior. Expectations owners should manage behavior social norm among other respondents, containers indicate they would try peers perceived be harmful environment. Cat could improved appealing well‐being, engaging respected messengers align concerns, including who already contain cats.

Language: Английский

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Occurrence of Microplastics in Herpetological Museum Collection: Grass Snake (Natrix natrix [Linnaeus, 1758]) and Dice Snake (Natrix tessellata [Laurenti, 1769]) as Model Organisms

Water Air & Soil Pollution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 233(5)

Published: May 1, 2022

Language: Английский

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Distinctive diets of eutherian predators in Australia

Royal Society Open Science, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 9(10)

Published: Oct. 1, 2022

Introduction of the domestic cat and red fox has devastated Australian native fauna. We synthesized diet analyses to identify traits prey species in cat, dingo diets, which were more frequent or distinctive each predator, quantified dietary overlap. Nearly half (45%) all terrestrial mammal, bird reptile occurred diets one predators. Cat overlapped least (0.64 ± 0.27, n = 24 location/time points) changed little over 55 years study. Cats likely have eaten birds, reptiles small mammals than foxes dingoes. Dingo remained constant 53 constituted largest species, including macropods/potoroids, wombats, monotremes bandicoots/bilbies cats foxes. Fox had greater overlap with both (0.79 0.20, 37) dingoes (0.73 0.21, 42), fewer items (plant material, possums/gliders) significant spatial temporal heterogeneity 69 years, suggesting opportunity for switching (especially mammal prey) mitigate competition. Our study reinforced concerns about mesopredator impacts upon scarce/threatened need control fauna conservation. However, extensive opportunism, as well low incidence mesopredators precluded resolution debate possible suppression cats.

Language: Английский

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