Warner, R. E. (1985). Demography and movements of free-ranging domestic cats in rural Illinois. The Journal of wildlife management, 49(2): 340-346.
Free-ranging domestic cats on farmsteads were censused annually in August 1977-81 within a 5,182-ha area typical of the cash-grain region in central Illinois. The estimated average number of cats on the area in late summer was 326 (6.3/100 ha). Annual recruitment of immature cats into the late summer population averaged 1.5/adult female. Survival beyond 3-5 years of age was rare; <1% survived 7 or more years. Eleven adult cats were radio-monitored during a 30-day period in summer; four males ranged over larger areas (P < 0.01) than seven females (228 ± 100 ha and 112 ± 21 ha, respectively). When cats were not on farmsteads, approximately 73% of their radiolocation points (N = 1,227) were in edge or linear configurations of cover. Cats made disproportionately high (P < 0.05) use of farmsteads and perimeters, roadsides, and field interfaces and disproportionately low use (P < 0.05) of fields of corn and soybeans. Domestic cats on the area were well fed by humans but routinely deposited prey at their residences.
Free-ranging domestic cats on farmsteads were censused annually in August 1977-81 within a 5,182-ha area typical of the cash-grain region in central Illinois. The estimated average number of cats on the area in late summer was 326 (6.3/100 ha). Annual recruitment of immature cats into the late summer population averaged 1.5/adult female. Survival beyond 3-5 years of age was rare; <1% survived 7 or more years. Eleven adult cats were radio-monitored during a 30-day period in summer; four males ranged over larger areas (P < 0.01) than seven females (228 ± 100 ha and 112 ± 21 ha, respectively). When cats were not on farmsteads, approximately 73% of their radiolocation points (N = 1,227) were in edge or linear configurations of cover. Cats made disproportionately high (P < 0.05) use of farmsteads and perimeters, roadsides, and field interfaces and disproportionately low use (P < 0.05) of fields of corn and soybeans. Domestic cats on the area were well fed by humans but routinely deposited prey at their residences.
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