A model for cat control
Ric Nattrass
Abstract
In recent times there has been increased concern about the ecological impact of feral and domestic cats in Australia. Facts are scarce but the cat has been suggested as a potential threat to wild species and as a result 'cat-bashing' has become popular in some sections of the community. On the other hand the community generally recognises the value of the cat as a companion animal and its popularity remains high. Feral cats however have few supporters and an humane eradication program would probably receive majority support.
The success of an eradication program however would depend partly on the containment of the domestic population since it has been suggested that some feral population densities are maintained to some extent by periodic recruitment from dumped or straying domestic cats. Prevention of recruitment or re-establishment of a feral population following eradication would depend therefore on a management program which (a) prohibited the ownership of reproductively capable cats by other than registered cat breeders, (b) prohibited free-ranging of these animals with meaningful penalties for non-compliance and (c) was consistent at least state-wide if not Australia-wide. A model for such a program is suggested here.
About the author
Ric Nattrass
Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service
P O Box 42
Kenmore, QLD 4069
Telephone (07) 202 0200
The author is a wildlife ranger with the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service working from the Central Moreton District Office located at Moggill, an outer western suburb of Brisbane. With almost ten year's experience in urban wildlife conservation, hes work now centres on developing greater awareness of the ecological value of locally prominent species, such as, magpies, crows, snakes etc. He is concerned about the declining species, particularly in urban and near-urban areas and in helping to investigate the reasons for these declines. He has a regular radio talkback session on one of the ABC's Brisbane weekday programs and is much sought after as guest speaker and presenter on wildlife in the urban environment.
Back to Urban Animal Management Conference Index
Back to Petnet