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

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A global synthesis and assessment of free-ranging domestic cat diet

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

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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

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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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Variation in red fox Vulpes vulpes diet in five continents

Mammal Review, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 52(3), P. 328 - 342

Published: May 27, 2022

Abstract Understanding variation in the diet of widely distributed species can help us to predict how they respond future environmental and anthropogenic changes. We studied red fox Vulpes vulpes , one world's most carnivores. compiled dietary data from 217 studies at 276 locations five continents assess composition varied according geographic location, climate, impact, sampling method. The foxes showed substantial throughout species' range, but with a general trend for small mammals invertebrates be frequently occurring items. incidence large birds diets was greater away equator. fruits increased mean elevation, while occurrence medium‐sized decreased. Fox differed climatic variables. Diet richness decreased increasing temperature precipitation. temperature. annual Higher Human Footprint Index associated lower higher fruit diet. Sampling method influenced estimation: estimated percentage based on stomach contents, were more likely recorded contents than scats. Our study confirms flexible opportunistic behaviour global scale. This behavioural trait allows them thrive range conditions, areas different degrees human‐induced habitat change. knowledge place results local‐scale into broader context will

Language: Английский

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Faunal responses to fire in Australian tropical savannas: Insights from field experiments and their lessons for conservation management

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 27(5), P. 828 - 843

Published: Nov. 11, 2020

Abstract Aim Fire is particularly frequent, complex and contentious in the vast tropical savannas of northern Australia, where declines many threatened species are associated with fire, substantial areas under fire management for greenhouse gas abatement. Controlled field experiments crucial understanding biodiversity responses, here I present key insights into faunal responses to that have been revealed by them, along their lessons management. Location Australian monsoonal tropics. Methods Results synthesized from six replicated conducted include multispecies assessments fauna. The synthesis also draws on other studies presented form five responses. as follows: (a) most groups extremely resilient highly contrasting regimes often having little or no detectable impact abundances, at least medium term; (b) important effects typically indirect through habitat modification, even when there direct mortality; (c) intensity not a factor widely thought; rather, frequency important; (d) will always be winners losers any fire; (e) required maintenance diversity. Main conclusions These implications conservation savannas: needs focus fire‐induced changes suitability, consider outcomes landscape scale; combination frequently (every 2–3 years) less ≥5 burned may adequately conserve great majority animal without need mosaics; special attention frequent‐fire because an low representation longer‐unburnt habitat; actively managed promote diversity, excluded. applicable grassy ecosystems more generally, some appear universal fire‐prone biomes.

Language: Английский

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How do invasive predators and their native prey respond to prescribed fire?

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(5)

Published: May 1, 2024

Abstract Fire shapes animal communities by altering resource availability and species interactions, including between predators prey. In Australia, there is particular concern that two highly damaging invasive predators, the feral cat ( Felis catus ) European red fox Vulpes vulpes ), increase their activity in recently burnt areas exert greater predation pressure on native prey due to increased exposure. We tested how prescribed fire occurrence extent, along with history, vegetation, topography, distance anthropogenic features (towns farms), affected (detection frequency) of cats, foxes, mammal community south‐eastern Australia. used camera traps quantify before after a burn statistically interacted these habitat variables affect activity. found little evidence influenced cats foxes no an effect kangaroo or small (<800 g) Medium‐sized mammals (800–2000 were negatively associated suggesting has negative impact short term. The lack clear from likely positive outcome management perspective. However, we highlight response dependent upon factors like size, severity, availability. Future experiments should incorporate GPS‐trackers record fine‐scale movements temperate ecosystems immediately best inform within protected areas.

Language: Английский

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Bottom-up and top-down processes influence contemporary patterns of mammal species richness in Australia's monsoonal tropics

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 247, P. 108638 - 108638

Published: June 2, 2020

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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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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