Exposure of wild carnivores to Leptospira

Jorge, R. S. P., Ferreira, F., Ferreira Neto, J. S., Vasconcellos, S. D. A., Lima, E. D. S., Morais, Z. M. D., & Souza, G. O. D. (2011). Exposure of free-ranging wild carnivores, horses and domestic dogs to Leptospira spp in the northern Pantanal, Brazil. Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 106(4), 441-444.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease affecting most mammals and is distributed throughout the world. Several species of domestic and wild animals may act as reservoirs for this disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the exposure of free-ranging wild carnivores, horses and domestic dogs on a private reserve located in the northern Pantanal (Brazil) and the surrounding areas to Leptospira spp from 2002-2006, 75 free-ranging wild carnivores were captured in the Pantanal and serum samples were collected. In addition, samples from 103 domestic dogs and 23 horses in the region were collected. Serum samples were tested for the presence of Leptospira antibodies using the microscopic agglutination test. Thirty-two wild carnivores (42.7%) were considered positive with titres > 100, and 18 domestic dogs (17.5%) and 20 horses (74.1%) were also found to be positive. Our study showed that horses, dogs and several species of free-ranging wild carnivores have been exposed to Leptospira spp in the Pantanal, suggesting that the peculiar characteristics of this biome, such as high temperatures and an extended period of flooding, may favour bacterial persistence and transmission. In this region, wild carnivores and horses seem to be important hosts for the epidemiology of Leptospira species.

Behavioral differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats

Finkler, H., Gunther, I., & Terkel, J. (2011). Behavioral differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 238(9), 1141-1149.

Objective—To examine behavioral differences during a 1-year observational period between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure.

Design—Natural-setting trial.

Animals—Free-roaming cats (n = 184) living in 4 feeding groups in an urban region of Israel.

Procedures—Trap-neuter-return procedures were applied to 2 cat feeding groups (A and B). Their social and feeding behaviors and frequency of appearance at feeding time were compared with those of 2 unneutered cat groups (C and D). Behavioral data were obtained from weekly observations before and during feeding over a 1-year period.

Results—A lower rate of agonistic interactions was observed in the neutered groups than in the unneutered groups. Sexually intact male cats participated in more agonistic male-male encounters than did neutered male cats. Of 199 such encounters in the feeding groups, only 1 occurred between 2 neutered males. Neutered cats in group A appeared earlier and had higher frequencies of feeding and appearance at the feeding site, compared with unneutered cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Less aggression was observed in the neutered groups, specifically, fewer agonistic neutered-neutered male encounters occurred. This reduced agonistic behavior of neutered males resulted in reduced fighting and vocalizations, potentially leading to fewer injuries and reduced transmission of fight-related infectious diseases and reduced noise disturbance from a human perspective. Regarding food delivery, the feeding groups were time-and-place dependent, exhibiting context-related social interactions. When competing for food resources, as neutered cats time their arrival in accordance with food delivery, they thereby gain access to the choicest items.

The influence of socio-demographic factors on free-roaming cat populations in an urban ecosystem in Israel

Finkler H, Hatna E, Terkel J (2011). The influence of neighbourhood socio-demographic factors on densities of free-roaming cat populations in an urban ecosystem in Israel. Wildlife Research 38(3): 235-243.

Context: Free-roaming cat populations are abundant in many urban ecosystems worldwide. Their management is necessary for reasons of public health, risk of wildlife predation and cat welfare related to their high densities. Trap–neuter–return (TNR) programs are now the main cat population control strategy in urban areas. However, the efficacy of such strategies is difficult to evaluate without more precise estimates of cat numbers and a better knowledge of anthropogenic influences on cat densities.

Aims: We aimed to estimate free-roaming cat population numbers and density in residential neighbourhoods in Tel Aviv, and to investigate population densities in relation to several socio-demographic factors.

Methods: We compared free-roaming cat population densities in terms of neighbourhood socio-economic status (SES), housing type, human density and percentage of residential and commercial areas. Five consecutive cat density surveys were carried out in eight residential neighbourhoods in Israel – four in northern Tel Aviv, characterised by high SES, and four in southern Tel Aviv, characterised by low SES. The photographic capture–recapture technique was used and abundance estimates were evaluated using the MARK program. Regression analyses examined the effect of socio-demographic factors on cat densities.

Key results: Neighbourhood socio-economic status significantly influenced kitten density and proportion of neutered cats in the total population: southern neighbourhoods had higher kitten densities and lower neutered cat proportions compared with northern neighbourhoods. Higher adult cat densities featured in mixed profile neighbourhoods of residential and commercial areas compared with solely residential neighbourhoods. Using the linear equation from the regression analysis the entire free-roaming cat population in Tel Aviv was extrapolated to 39 000 cats.

Conclusions: The results suggest that adult cat and kitten densities depend in part on socio-demographic factors, specifically on neighbourhood socio-economic status and the proportion of residential area.

Implications: Our findings in Tel Aviv may be used to improve cat management efforts, by focusing on neighbourhoods hosting higher cat densities; as well as to improve cat welfare by focusing on neighbourhoods with lower neutering rates and higher kitten densities. Finally, the current study may serve as a basis for studies in other cities with similar cat overpopulation problems.

Feral cats population would decrease in range in NSW under climate change

Caley, P., Tennant, P., & Hood, G. (2011). Modelling the distribution of vertebrate pests in New South Wales under climate change. Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre.

Feral cats were considered to occur in all but 0.4% of cells during the 2004 survey, with densities considered highest in the south-west plains (no data was collected for the ACT). All climate models forecast a substantial decrease in the area of moderate and high cat density, with a commensurate increase in low cat density

Resolving the urban nest predator paradox: the role of alternative foods for nest predators

Stracey, C. M. (2011). Resolving the urban nest predator paradox: the role of alternative foods for nest predators. Biological Conservation, 144(5), 1545-1552.

Urbanization is a leading cause of species endangerment in the United States; however, certain species thrive in urban habitats. The loss of key predators or the addition of new predators in urban areas could alter the structure of urban communities. A reduction in nest predation is hypothesized to explain the high density of urban birds, yet urban areas typically have increased populations of avian nest predators. The loss of important nest predators in urban habitats, prey switching of urban predators, or successful nest defense against avian nest predators could explain this urban nest predator paradox. To assess these hypotheses I compared nest predation rates of Northern mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) in parking lots and residential neighborhoods to populations in pastures and wildlife preserves during 2007–2009 in Florida, USA and placed video cameras on a subset of nests in 2008–2009. Data do not support the hypothesis that urban nest predation rates are consistently lower than non-urban nest predation rates. Of the 56 nest predation events recorded, cats were the dominant urban predator and Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii) were the dominant non-urban predator. There was no evidence for a loss of important nest predators in urban habitats; however, prey switching by Cooper’s hawks likely occurred. There was also indirect evidence for the importance of nest defense. Furthermore, some of the cats recorded as nest predators in residential neighborhoods were owned cats and all but one cat predation event occurred at night. To reduce nest predation rates, cat owners should keep their cats indoors at night.

Domestic dogs as a disturbance agent on the natural environment

Holderness-Roddam, B. (2011). The effects of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) as a disturbance agent on the natural environment (Doctoral dissertation, University of Tasmania).


This study assesses the impact of domestic dogs on the natural environment. The principal issue investigated is that of disturbance and the consequences for native wildlife, particularly vertebrate species. In addition to the catastrophic effects of killing, maiming and orphaning of wildlife; disturbance can contribute to energetic loss through premature flight or reduced feed intake and reproductive disruption due to nest disturbance. Dogs have been implicated in disease transmission to native wildlife; with faecal contamination of waterways having potential negative affects for marine mammal health. Hybridisation with other canid species is also an issue of concern, as is expropriation of land for the production of food for pet dogs. The study commences with an overview of ecological disturbance. The literature review then assesses the role of domestic dogs in ecological disturbance, public attitudes towards compliance with dog management legislation and the remediation and mitigation of disturbance by dogs. Data obtained from the Resource Management and Conservation section of the Tasmanian Department of Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment regarding native wildlife presenting for care was analysed in order to determine the principal reported causes of death and injury to native wildlife in Tasmania. These results were then compared with data from the Australian Wildlife Health Centre - Wildlife Hospital at Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria and the data submitted by Tasmanian veterinarians through a three month diary of wildlife presentations recorded by ten practices.

Reduction of feral cat colony size following hysterectomy of adult female cats

Mendes-de-Almeida, F., Remy, G. L., Gershony, L. C., Rodrigues, D. P., Chame, M., & Labarthe, N. V. (2011). Reduction of feral cat (Felis catus Linnaeus 1758) colony size following hysterectomy of adult female cats. Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 13(6), 436-440.

The size of urban cat colonies is limited only by the availability of food and shelter; therefore, their population growth challenges all known population control programs. To test a new population control method, a free-roaming feral cat colony at the Zoological Park in the city of Rio de Janeiro was studied, beginning in 2001. The novel method consisted of performing a hysterectomy on all captured female cats over 6 months of age. To estimate the size of the colony and compare population from year to year, a method of capture-mark-release-recapture was used. The aim was to capture as many individuals as possible, including cats of all ages and gender to estimate numbers of cats in all population categories. Results indicated that the feral cat population remained constant from 2001 to 2004. From 2004 to 2008, the hysterectomy program and population estimates were performed every other year (2006 and 2008). The population was estimated to be 40 cats in 2004, 26 in 2006, and 17 cats in 2008. Although pathogens tend to infect more individuals as the population grows older and maintains natural behavior, these results show that free-roaming feral cat colonies could have their population controlled by a biannual program that focuses on hysterectomy of sexually active female cats.

33,000 years old incipient dog from Siberia

Ovodov, N. D., Crockford, S. J., Kuzmin, Y. V., Higham, T. F., Hodgins, G. W., & van der Plicht, J. (2011). A 33,000-year-old incipient dog from the Altai Mountains of Siberia: Evidence of the earliest domestication disrupted by the Last Glacial Maximum. PLoS One, 6(7), e22821.

Background

Virtually all well-documented remains of early domestic dog (Canis familiaris) come from the late Glacial and early Holocene periods (ca. 14,000–9000 calendar years ago, cal BP), with few putative dogs found prior to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ca. 26,500–19,000 cal BP). The dearth of pre-LGM dog-like canids and incomplete state of their preservation has until now prevented an understanding of the morphological features of transitional forms between wild wolves and domesticated dogs in temporal perspective.

Methodology/Principal Finding

We describe the well-preserved remains of a dog-like canid from the Razboinichya Cave (Altai Mountains of southern Siberia). Because of the extraordinary preservation of the material, including skull, mandibles (both sides) and teeth, it was possible to conduct a complete morphological description and comparison with representative examples of pre-LGM wild wolves, modern wolves, prehistoric domesticated dogs, and early dog-like canids, using morphological criteria to distinguish between wolves and dogs. It was found that the Razboinichya Cave individual is most similar to fully domesticated dogs from Greenland (about 1000 years old), and unlike ancient and modern wolves, and putative dogs from Eliseevichi I site in central Russia. Direct AMS radiocarbon dating of the skull and mandible of the Razboinichya canid conducted in three independent laboratories resulted in highly compatible ages, with average value of ca. 33,000 cal BP.

Conclusions/Significance

The Razboinichya Cave specimen appears to be an incipient dog that did not give rise to late Glacial – early Holocene lineages and probably represents wolf domestication disrupted by the climatic and cultural changes associated with the LGM. The two earliest incipient dogs from Western Europe (Goyet, Belguim) and Siberia (Razboinichya), separated by thousands of kilometers, show that dog domestication was multiregional, and thus had no single place of origin (as some DNA data have suggested) and subsequent spread.

Emotional approaches of caretakers of free-roaming cats

Finkler, H., & Terkel, J. (2011). Dichotomy in the emotional approaches of caretakers of free-roaming cats in urban feeding groups: findings from in-depth interviews. Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals, 24(2), 203-218.

Although the occurrence of cat-caretaking of free-roaming cats is widespread, particularly so in countries with a climate suitable for cats to reproduce year-round, our knowledge of this relationship is still incomplete. People who engage in daily activities of feeding and caring for groups of free-roaming cats (cat caretakers) are known to be devoted to their cats and invest considerable resources in their care, including neutering and veterinary care. These caretakers often encounter difficulties, such as resentment by neighbors and lack of cooperation or financing by the municipal veterinary services. Despite the fundamental understanding of these caretakers' high daily commitment, and sometimes strong bond with the cats, detailed knowledge is still lacking regarding the nature of this bond, the difficulties that ensue from this daily occupation, and the relationship between the two. The purpose of this study was thus to acquire a deeper understanding, by means of an in-depth interview with cat caretakers. The study has identified, for the first time, two distinct emotional approaches that accompany extensive caretaking for free-roaming cats: emotional attachment and emotional detachment. We show how these two different responses affect both social and financial aspects in the caretakers' lives, and report on the ways in which these individuals experience cat caretaking. Our findings provide a first systematic understanding of the relationship between the level of technical caretaking (feeding, medical care, etc.) and the level of emotional involvement, and reveal the ambivalence often inherent in human–animal relations in general and the caretaker–cat bond in particular. The understanding acquired here can be put into practice to reduce the emotional and technical difficulties experienced by cat caretakers, as well as to improve free-roaming cat management efforts and cat welfare. By increasing public and municipal awareness of the possible contribution of cat caretakers to cat management, and of the emotional and technical difficulties they experience, both the caretakers and other community members can benefit.

Origin of dingoes and Polynesian dogs

Oskarsson, M. C., Klütsch, C. F., Boonyaprakob, U., Wilton, A., Tanabe, Y., & Savolainen, P. (2011). Mitochondrial DNA data indicate an introduction through Mainland Southeast Asia for Australian dingoes and Polynesian domestic dogs. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, rspb20111395.

In the late stages of the global dispersal of dogs, dingoes appear in the Australian archaeological record 3500 years BP, and dogs were one of three domesticates brought with the colonization of Polynesia, but the introduction routes to this region remain unknown. This also relates to questions about human history, such as to what extent the Polynesian culture was introduced with the Austronesian expansion from Taiwan or adopted en route, and whether pre-Neolithic Australia was culturally influenced by the surrounding Neolithic world. We investigate these questions by mapping the distribution of the mtDNA founder haplotypes for dingoes (A29) and ancient Polynesian dogs (Arc1 and Arc2) in samples across Southern East Asia (n = 424) and Island Southeast Asia (n = 219). All three haplotypes were found in South China, Mainland Southeast Asia and Indonesia but absent in Taiwan and the Philippines, and the mtDNA diversity among dingoes indicates an introduction to Australia 4600–18 300 years BP. These results suggest that Australian dingoes and Polynesian dogs originate from dogs introduced to Indonesia via Mainland Southeast Asia before the Neolithic, and not from Taiwan together with the Austronesian expansion. This underscores the complex origins of Polynesian culture and the isolation from Neolithic influence of the pre-Neolithic Australian culture.

Frequency of the Polynesian haplotypes Arc1 and Arc2, and the dingo founder haplotype A29 in geographical regions. The number of individuals carrying each haplotype, total number of samples for the region and frequency (per cent) are shown. Arrows indicate suggested introduction routes. For Australia, A29 denotes both haplotypes A29 and A29′

Savolainen, P., Leitner, T., Wilton, A. N., Matisoo-Smith, E., & Lundeberg, J. (2004). A detailed picture of the origin of the Australian dingo, obtained from the study of mitochondrial DNA. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 101(33), 12387-12390.

To determine the origin and time of arrival to Australia of the dingo, 582 bp of the mtDNA control region were analyzed in 211 Australian dingoes sampled in all states of Australia, 676 dogs from all continents, and 38 Eurasian wolves, and 263 bp were analyzed in 19 pre-European archaeological dog samples from Polynesia. We found that all mtDNA sequences among dingoes were either identical to or differing by a single substitution from a single mtDNA type, A29. This mtDNA type, which was present in >50% of the dingoes, was found also among domestic dogs, but only in dogs from East Asia and Arctic America, whereas 18 of the 19 other types were unique to dingoes. The mean genetic distance to A29 among the dingo mtDNA sequences indicates an origin ≈5,000 years ago. From these results a detailed scenario of the origin and history of the dingo can be derived: dingoes have an origin from domesticated dogs coming from East Asia, possibly in connection with the Austronesian expansion into Island Southeast Asia. They were introduced from a small population of dogs, possibly at a single occasion, and have since lived isolated from other dog populations.

Mating and parental behaviour in free-ranging dogs

Pal, S. K. (2005). Parental care in free-ranging dogs,Canis familiaris. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 90(1), 31-47.

Parental care in free-ranging dogs was investigated in Katwa town, India. Six lactating bitches, 4 were monogamous. The gestation period varied from 62 to 65 days. Mean (±S.D.) litter size of 5.83 (±1.57) with a sex ratio of 1.69:1 in favour of male was recorded in this study. High mortality (63%) of pups occurred by the age of 3 months. Mothers were in contact with the litters for 13 weeks of the litters’ life. There was a negative correlation between the duration of mother–litter contact in any observation session and the age of the pups. Milk feeding by the mothers was continued for 10–11 weeks of the litters’ life. The duration of milk feeding in any 30-min observation session reached a maximum of 27.54 min during the 1st week and a minimum of 2.22 min during the 11th week of the litters’ life. All the mothers in this study were observed to feed the pups by regurgitation. For the first 2 weeks immediately after parturition, the lactating females were observed to be more aggressive to protect the pups. The four males (male parents) were in contact with the litters as ‘guard’ dogs for the first 6–8 weeks of litters’ life. In absence of the mothers, they were observed to prevent the approach of strangers by vocalizations or even by physical attacks. Moreover, one male fed the litter by regurgitation showing the existence of paternal care in free-roaming domestic dogs.


Pal, S. K. (2011). Mating System of Free-Ranging Dogs (Canis familiaris).International Journal of Zoology, 2011.
Fourteen females belonging to five groups were selected for the study of mating system in free-ranging domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) All the matings occurred between August and December with a peak in late monsoon months (September to November). Both males and females differed in their degree of attractiveness to the opposite sex. The duration of courting association increased with the number of courting males in an association. The females exhibited selectivity by readily permitting some males to mate and avoiding, or even attacking others, if they attempted to mount. Frequency of mounting in courting association increased with the number of males present. There was a positive correlation between the duration of courting association and the frequency of mounting. The young adult males were more likely to copulate successfully than the old adult males. There was a negative correlation between the number of males present in an association and the number of successful copulations. In this study, six types of mating (monogamy, polygyny, promiscuity, polyandry, opportunity and rape) were recorded. Mean (±S.E.) duration of copulatory ties was 25.65 (±1.43) min. Several natural factors influencing the duration of copulatory ties were identified.

A pilot study for the eradication of cats on Dirk Hartog Island

Algar, D., Johnston, M., & Hilmer, S. S. (2011). A pilot study for the proposed eradication of feral cats on Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia. Island invasives: eradication and management, 10-16.

Feral cat eradication is planned for Dirk Hartog Island (620 km2), which is the largest island off the Western Australian coast. The island, in the Shark Bay World Heritage Property, once supported at least 13 species of native mammals but only three species remain. Since the 1860s, Dirk Hartog Island has been managed as a pastoral lease grazed by sheep and goats. Cats were probably introduced by early pastoralists and became feral during the late 19th century. Dirk Hartog Island was established as a National Park in November 2009, which provides the opportunity to eradicate feral cats and reconstruct the native mammal fauna. A 250 km2 pilot study was conducted on the island to assess the efficacy of aerial baiting as the primary technique for the eradication campaign. Initially, cats were trapped and fitted with GPS data-logger radio-collars. The collars were to provide information on daily activity patterns, to determine detection probabilities, and to optimise the proposed spacing of aerial baiting transects and the monitoring track network for the eradication. Baiting efficiency was determined from the percentage of radio-collared cats found dead following the distribution of baits. Fifteen cats were fitted with radio-collars and 12 (80%) of the cats consumed a toxic bait. Pre- and post-baiting surveys of cat activity were also conducted to record indices of activity at sand plots and along continuous track transects. Significant reductions in these indices after baiting coincided with declines of the same magnitude as radio-collar returns. Information collected in this pilot study should help to improve kill rates and has increased confidence that eradication can be successfully achieved.

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TNR useless if unsustained

Gunther, I., H. Finkler & J. Terkel. (2011) Demographic differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 238 (9): 1134-1140

Objective—To examine demographic differences during a 1-year observational period between urban feeding groups of neutered and unneutered free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure.

Design—Natural-setting trial.

Animals—Free-roaming adult cats (n = 184) and kittens (76) living in 4 feeding groups in an urban region of Israel.

Procedures—Cats in 2 feeding groups were subjected to a trap-neuter-return (TNR) procedure. Cats in 2 other feeding groups were untreated. Data were collected on a weekly basis before and during feeding time over a 1-year period. Following individual cat identification, presence of adults and kittens was recorded throughout the year. Rates of immigration, emigration, and kitten survival were compared between neutered and unneutered groups.

Results—The number of adult cats in the 2 neutered groups increased significantly during the study period because of higher immigration and lower emigration rates than in the unneutered groups, in which the number decreased. In the neutered groups, annual presence of neutered cats was significantly higher than that of sexually intact cats. Kitten survival in the neutered groups was significantly higher than in the unneutered groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Targeting the TNR method mainly at feeding groups in urban residential neighbourhoods may result in increased group size, as a consequence of 2 major changes in group dynamics: sexually intact cats immigrate into the neutered groups more readily and neutered cats reduce their emigration rates, possibly because of a reduction in reproductive and competitive pressures. To maintain a high proportion of neutered cats in such cat groups, persistent TNR campaigns are therefore necessary.

Precautionary principle applied to predation by pet cats

Calver, M. C., Grayson, J., Lilith, M., & Dickman, C. R. (2011). Applying the precautionary principle to the issue of impacts by pet cats on urban wildlife.Biological Conservation, 144(6), 1895-1901.

Despite evidence that pet cats prey on urban wildlife and may transmit disease, there is uncertainty over whether they cause declines in wildlife populations. The uncertainty fosters disagreement about whether and how pet cats should be managed, and hampers the implementation of regulations. We suggest that the precautionary principle could be used in this context. The principle mandates action to protect the environment when there is a scientifically plausible but unproven risk, and provides a rationale for immediate intervention to protect wildlife from pet cats while we await definitive studies. In applying a 4-step guide for implementing the precautionary principle, we argue that: (i) current data documenting wildlife mortality caused by pet cats satisfy the precautionary trigger of scientifically plausible risk; (ii) the risk of significant declines or local extinctions of threatened wildlife, coupled with uncertainty in establishing population declines in response to pet cats, argue for strong levels of precaution; (iii) precautionary measures that should be considered include, but are not limited to, restrictions on the maximum number of cats allowed/household, mandatory sterilisation and registration of pet cats, curfews, requiring pet cats roaming outdoors to wear collar-mounted predation-deterrents or compulsory confinement of cats to their owners’ premises; and (iv) the principle’s requirement for extensive consultation in implementing precautionary measures should encourage collaborations involving conservation biologists, veterinarians, animal welfare activists, concerned citizens and municipal officers. Adherence to these steps should assist in choosing actions that have broad support and are applicable to unique local circumstances.


Highlights

► The precautionary principle justifies protecting wildlife from pet cats. ► Deaths caused by pet cats show scientifically plausible risk of population declines. ► Risk, plus uncertainty of wildlife decline from cat predation, support precaution. ► Specialists and the community must collaborate to implement precaution. ► Implementation should follow adaptive management principles to reduce uncertainty.

Planning cat eradication on Guadalupe Island

Luna-Mendoza,L., J. M. Barredo-Barberena, J. C. Hernández-Montoya, A. Aguirre-Muñoz, F. A. Méndez-Sánchez, A. Ortiz-Alcaraz, & M. Félix-Lizárraga. 2011. Planning for the eradication of feral cats on Guadalupe Island, México: home range, diet, and bait acceptance. Pages 192-197 In: Veitch, C. R.; Clout, M. N. and Towns, D. R. (eds.). 2011. Island invasives: eradication and management. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.

Feral cats (Felis catus) introduced to new environments have caused the extinction of many vertebrate species, including six species of birds on Guadalupe Island, México. To save species from extinction and restore natural processes, cats have been eradicated from islands using a variety of techniques. Eradication campaigns have to be planned carefully; ideally supported by information about the population to be eradicated. Our study focuses on home range estimation (fixed kernel); bait consumption by feral cats and non-target species; and diet of feral cats on Guadalupe Island. Home range was 76 to 1098 ha (KE 95) and core areas 21 to 196 ha (KE 50). Feral cats and non-target species including Guadalupe junco (Junco hyemalis insularis), Guadalupe rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus guadalupensis), western gull (Larus occidentalis), and house mouse (Mus musculus) consumed baits. Items most commonly found in diet samples were mice (66.5%) and birds (16.8%). Male cats were 2.9 ± 0.6 kg, and females 2.4 ± 0.9 kg. The results of this study will inform eradication decisions for Guadalupe Island, especially regarding the use of poison baits.

Hybridisation of canids in Australia

Stephens, D. (2011). The molecular ecology of Australian wild dogs: hybridisation, gene flow and genetic structure at multiple geographic scales. PhD, The University of Western Australia, Perth.

Advances in molecular ecology, particularly over the past two decades, have allowed studies of populations to extend to increasingly broad geographic and temporal scales without sacrificing detail. Limitations on sample numbers and types are decreasing, as efficiency and techniques for extracting DNA from suboptimal sources (such as hair or scats) improve. In this thesis I use microsatellite DNA markers to produce the first study of population genetics in Australian wild dogs, including dingoes (Canis lupus dingo), feral domestic dogs (C. l. familiaris) and their hybrids. Dingoes are unique among the Australian vertebrate fauna because they were transported to the continent approximately 5,000 years ago.
They have therefore not been in the ecosystem on evolutionary timescales, but have been present much longer than other introduced species. Dingoes are Australia’s apex predator, and have spread across habitats from deserts to tropical forests, but are currently under threat of extinction due to widespread hybridisation with domestic dogs. The conservation of dingoes is a management priority in some areas, but in others they are actively persecuted to protect livestock from predation.
The research areas addressed in this thesis are: the type of genetic samples best suited to different questions in research on wild dogs; the locations of pure dingoes; the patterns of gene flow among individuals and groups; and the degree of variability in spatial ecology across their range. Research outcomes are also placed into the context of how they can inform the management of wild dogs. Comparison of three non-invasively collected DNA sources with each other and with an invasively collected source (DNA swabs) showed that non-invasive samples, particularly scats, can be an appropriate source of DNA for monitoring based on
identification of individual. The costs and time involved in quality control of noninvasive samples, however, make them a less attractive option for large-scale or population-level studies, which require more genetic markers. I therefore employed tissue samples sourced from culling programs to examine aspects of
gene flow at four geographic scales. At the continental scale, I assessed the level of interbreeding between dingoes and domestic dogs, using both established methodology and a Bayesian clustering approach. Both methods provided similar results, showing increased hybridisation in coastal areas, particularly the
southeast of Australia, but fewer hybrids in the inland areas with lower densities of human settlement. Because population structure may affect approaches to control of wild dogs and conservation of dingoes, I then examined the scale and pattern of genetic subdivision and relatedness in three regions: the Tanami desert in the northern central region of Australia; south Queensland on the east coast; and across the western third of the continent. Wild dogs showed unexpected patterns of population structure, with variations in the geographical extent and separation of clusters. Relationships and spatial ecology of wild dogs in the Tanami desert appeared to be strongly affected by human activity, particularly the presence of artificially abundant food resources. The wild dogs sampled in south Queensland and Western Australia showed distinct genetic clusters in the absence of geographic barriers, showing that Australian wild dogs display cryptic genetic
subdivision at a similar scale found in wolves in vastly different habitats. The findings of this study reinforce the variability found in Australian wild dogs previously demonstrated by studies of diet and movements, and provide a novel and comprehensive overview of gene flow both among wild dogs and between dingoes and domestic dogs.

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Birds' choice of song posts

Møller, A. P. (2011). Song post height in relation to predator diversity and urbanization. Ethology, 117(6), 529-538.

Birds may sing from positions in the vegetation (song posts) to allow efficient transmission of sexual and territorial vocal displays while simultaneously minimizing the risk of predation because of avian and mammalian predators. Because urban areas are deficient in specialized avian predators, but have many cats while the opposite is the case for nearby rural areas, urban birds should display higher in the vegetation. In a comparison of the abundance of predators in three cities (Oslo, Brønderslev, Orsay), I show that avian predators are more common in rural areas, while mammalian predators are more common in urban areas. Singing birds sang from higher positions in the vegetation of urban than nearby rural areas. Differences in song post heights between urban and rural areas were consistent among cities, suggesting inherent specific difference in microhabitat choice. Bird species that have become urbanized recently had similar song post heights in urban and rural habitats, while species that have been urbanized for a long time sang from relatively higher song posts in urban areas. These findings suggest that urban and rural birds differ in habitat use when singing. These differences in song post choice between urban and rural habitats may have a number of consequences for vocal displays in the two different habitats.

Dog as a disturbance agent

Holderness-Roddam, B (2011) The effects of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) as a disturbance agent on the natural environment. Research Master thesis, University of Tasmania.

This study assesses the impact of domestic dogs on the natural environment. The principal issue investigated is that of disturbance and the consequences for native wildlife, particularly vertebrate species. In addition to the catastrophic effects of killing, maiming and orphaning of wildlife; disturbance can contribute to energetic loss through premature flight or reduced feed intake and reproductive disruption due to nest disturbance. Dogs have been implicated in disease transmission to native wildlife; with faecal contamination of waterways having potential negative affects for marine mammal health. Hybridisation with other canid species is also an issue of concern, as is expropriation of land for the production of food for pet dogs.

The study commences with an overview of ecological disturbance. The literature review then assesses the role of domestic dogs in ecological disturbance, public attitudes towards compliance with dog management legislation and the remediation and mitigation of disturbance by dogs. 

Data obtained from the Resource Management and Conservation section of the Tasmanian Department of Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment regarding native wildlife presenting for care was analysed in order to determine the principal reported causes of death and injury to native wildlife in Tasmania. These results were then compared with data from the Australian Wildlife Health Centre - Wildlife Hospital at Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria and the data submitted by Tasmanian veterinarians through a three month diary of wildlife presentations recorded by ten practices.
The data is indicative of domestic dogs having a more deleterious effect than domestic cats on native wildlife in Tasmania; particularly in urban and suburban areas and on beaches.

TNR needs reaching 90% of the population to be effective

Jones, A. L., & Downs, C. T. (2011). Managing feral cats on a university's campuses: how many are there and is sterilization having an effect?. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 14(4), 304-320.

Worldwide domestic and feral cat (Felis catus) numbers have increased. Concerns regarding high populations of feral cats in urban areas include wildlife predation, public nuisance, and disease. This study aimed to estimate the size of the feral cat population on 5 campuses of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to determine whether sterilization has an effect and to make management recommendations. The study used both the total count and mark-recapture methods to estimate the feral cat population on each campus. The study chose a noninvasive method of taking photographs to “mark” individuals and record those who were sterilized. The study estimated a total of 186 cats on all campuses and density at 161 cats/ km²  There was a negative relationship between sterilization and numbers. Sites with higher sterilization showed a lower proportion of younger cats. At the average sterilization of 55%, the population, according to predictions, would remain stable at fecundity, survival, and immigration rates reported by cat caretakers. However, caretakers underestimated cat abundance by 7 ± 37 SD%. Caretakers' feral cat sterilization and feeding programs appear to provide a service to the university community. Key management recommendations were to increase sterilization to 90% to reduce the population over the long term and to raise funds to support the costs incurred by voluntary cat caretakers.

Nutrient profile of feral cats

Plantinga, E. A., Bosch, G., & Hendriks, W. H. (2011). Estimation of the dietary nutrient profile of free-roaming feral cats: possible implications for nutrition of domestic cats. Br J Nutr, 106, S35-S48.

Cats are strict carnivores and in the wild rely on a diet solely based on animal tissues to meet their specific and unique nutritional requirements. Although the feeding ecology of cats in the wild has been well documented in the literature, there is no information on the precise nutrient profile to which the cat’s metabolism has adapted. The present study aimed to derive the dietary nutrient profile of free-living cats. Studies reporting the feeding habits of cats in the wild were reviewed and data on the nutrient composition of the consumed prey items obtained from the literature. Fifty-five studies reported feeding strategy data of cats in the wild. After specific exclusion criteria, twentyseven studies were used to derive thirty individual dietary nutrient profiles. The results show that feral cats are obligatory carnivores, with their daily energy intake from crude protein being 52 %, from crude fat 46 % and from N-free extract only 2 %. Minerals and trace elements are consumed in relatively high concentrations compared with recommended allowances determined using empirical methods. The calculated nutrient profile may be considered the nutrient intake to which the cat’s metabolic system has adapted. The present study provides insight into the nutritive, as well as possible non-nutritive aspects of a natural diet of whole prey for cats and provides novel ways to further improve feline diets to increase health and longevity.