Feral cats occur right across the continent in every habitat type including deserts, forests and grasslands. Total population estimates vary from 5 million to 18 million feral cats. Each feral cat kills between 5-30 animals per day. Taking the lower figure in that range (five) – and multiplying it by a conservative population estimate of 15 million cats – gives a minimum estimate of 75 million native animals killed daily by feral cats.
It is clear that cats are playing a critical role in the decline of our native fauna. They are recognised as a primary cause of several early mammal extinctions and are identified as a factor in the current declines of at least 80 threatened species.
AWC has developed a practical strategy designed to minimise their impacts and facilitate the development of a long-term solution. This includes:
- GROUND COVER: impairing the hunting efficiency of cats in grasslands and woodlands by manipulating ground cover through:
- minimising the frequency and extent of late-season wildfires;and
- reducing the density of feral herbivores.
- DINGOES AS A BIOLOGICAL CONTROL: reducing the density of cats and affect hunting behaviour by promoting a stable Dingo population.
- FERAL CAT-FREE AREAS: establishing feral cat-free areas to protect core populations of species most vulnerable to cats. AWC’s Scotia contains the largest cat-free area on the mainland; in total, AWC manages more feral cat-free land on mainland Australia than any other organisation.
- STRATEGIC CONTROL: strategic implementation of control measures such as shooting and baiting to protect highly threatened species.
- RESEARCH: generating scientific knowledge that will help design a long-term solution enabling the control of cats and their impacts across landscapes and, ideally, the eradication of feral cats.
We need your help in the battle to save our wildlife from feral cats. Please make a tax deductible donation to support practical land management that will limit the impact of cats. Your donation will help protect native animals at risk from feral cats, such as the Bilby, the Mala and a host of our small northern mammals. To donate, please click here.
To learn more about this project, please read pages 4-7 of the Summer 2012-2013 issue of Wildlife Matters here.
Find out more at Australian Wildlife Conservancy