The latest twist in the rather secret story of the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) is that a cat-killed individual has been found in an area of arid spinifex country SW of Winton, in W Queensland, close to where John Young photographed the species for the first time in May 2013.
Apparently, according to Queensland government sources, professional marksmen have been employed by a private conservation company to patrol the area at night with spotlights, shooting feral cats (Felis catus) on sight. The programme is funded by mining company Fortescue Metals, whose involvement dates back to the reported discovery of Night Parrots in a mineral exploration area in Western Australia in 2005. However, government agencies have been kept in the dark concerning the whereabouts of Night Parrots in Queensland, and the sites where the species occur are on a privately leased grazing property. Feral cats have long been implicated in the decline of this once widespread species: in 1892, it was reported that ‘numerous’ parrots were killed by cats near Alice Springs. Some observers have noted increases in feral cat populations in recent years in parts of inland Australia. The region around Winton where the parrots occur has been drought-afflicted for several years.
Apparently, according to Queensland government sources, professional marksmen have been employed by a private conservation company to patrol the area at night with spotlights, shooting feral cats (Felis catus) on sight. The programme is funded by mining company Fortescue Metals, whose involvement dates back to the reported discovery of Night Parrots in a mineral exploration area in Western Australia in 2005. However, government agencies have been kept in the dark concerning the whereabouts of Night Parrots in Queensland, and the sites where the species occur are on a privately leased grazing property. Feral cats have long been implicated in the decline of this once widespread species: in 1892, it was reported that ‘numerous’ parrots were killed by cats near Alice Springs. Some observers have noted increases in feral cat populations in recent years in parts of inland Australia. The region around Winton where the parrots occur has been drought-afflicted for several years.
I blame the owners of the cats and not the cats. I have a cat and he is an indoor cat...and he is neutered. I don't let him roam outside, it is dangerous both for the cat and other animals.
ReplyDeleteYours is a really good example of responsible behaviour. Thanks for that
DeleteI meant to add that the cat is just doing what comes naturally when they are in the wild...they hunt for food.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's right, but they also love hunting, check this http://petsaspests.blogspot.com/2013/11/cats-prefer-killing-thant-eating.html
DeleteYes, that's right, but they also love hunting, check this http://petsaspests.blogspot.com/2013/11/cats-prefer-killing-thant-eating.html
DeleteYes, that's right but they also love to hunt, check this http://petsaspests.blogspot.com/2013/11/cats-prefer-killing-thant-eating.html
DeleteNice post
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