Cats and Tropci birds

Boeken, M. (2016). Breeding success of Red-billed Tropicbirds Phaethon aethereus on the Caribbean island of Saba. Ardea, 104(3), 263-271.

In 2011 and 2012 the breeding success of Red-billed Tropicbirds Phaethon aethereus mesonauta was monitored on Saba, a 13-km2 island in the Caribbean Netherlands. The two colonies on the south and south-west side of the island both contain approximately 100–300 nests; breeding success was zero at these sites, due to predation of newly hatched chicks by Feral House Cats. In the single large colony of Old Booby Hill (estimated to contain approximately 1000 nests) on the east side of the island, rates of predation were lower, resulting in a breeding success (survival from laying until fledging, as far as observed) of 65%. Calculations of daily survival of eggs and chicks following Mayfield, resulted in a nesting success of 48% per pair. I conservatively estimated the size of the Saba breeding population to be at least 1300–1500 pairs, which is larger than the previous estimate of 750–1000 pairs. Potentially, the number of breeding pairs may be as high as 1850 pairs.

Analysis of six Latin American cat populations through coat genes and molecular microsatellite markers

Ruiz-García, M., & Alvarez, D. (2003). Análisis de seis poblaciones latinoamericanas de gatos mediante genes del pelaje y marcadores microsatélites. Acta zoológica mexicana, (89), 261-286. (Analysis of six Latin American cat populations through coat genes and molecular microsatellite markers)

Six Latin American cat populations (La Havana, San Jose, Bogotá, Asunción, Buenos Aires and Santiago) have been studied from a population genetics standpoint by using different morphological coat and molecular microsatellite markers (FCA43, FCA45, FCA96 and FCA126). The main aims of the current work are as follows: (1) To determine whether the type and intensity of the genetic differences found for diverse morphological loci among the current British cat populations and those from the British oversea colonies (USA, Canada and Australia) agree with the differences among the current Spanish cat populations and those from Latin America and (2) to determine if the genetic relationships among some of these Latin American cat populations are in agreement by using independently morphological and molecular microsatellite markers. The different results obtained were as follows: (A) All populations analyzed were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at the O, S and at the four microsatellite loci studied with the exception of La Havana at the S locus. (B) The trees obtained showed that the relationships of the six cat populations studied regard to the Spanish populations, in particular, and with the European populations, in general, were extremely heterogeneous. Therefore, for instance, Asuncion was genetically identical to some Catalonian populations meanwhile Santiago (Chile) revealed more resemblance with the cat populations of presumed British origin in the Eastern Coast of the United States by means of the coat color genes. The striking genetic heterogeneity among some of these Latin American cat populations could be explained by the existence of different geographic, or temporal, migrations from Spain and/or that diverse gene drift degrees were present in the foundation of the diverse populations studied. Finally, the molecular results were similar to those obtained with the gross morphological genes. Therefore, the overall evolution of these morphological markers is controlled more probably by neutral stochastic forces than by selective ones.

Resumen
Seis poblaciones latinoamericanas de gatos (La Habana, San José, Bogotá, Asunción, Buenos Aires y Santiago) han sido estudiadas desde una perspectiva genético poblacional con marcadores que codifican características morfológicas del pelaje y marcadores moleculares nucleares microsatélites (FCA43, FCA45, FCA96, FCA126). A partir de las frecuencias alélicas de ambos tipos de marcadores genéticos se investigó: (1) si el tipo y la intensidad de las diferencias genéticas encontradas para diversos loci morfológicos entre las poblaciones de gatos en Gran Bretaña y en sus ex-colonias transmarítimas (EU, Canadá, Australia) se dio también entre las poblaciones de gatos actuales en España y en Latinoamérica y (2) si las relaciones genéticas de esos caracteres morfológicos entre algunas de esas poblaciones latinoamericanas de gatos fue paralela a las relaciones encontradas con marcadores moleculares microsatélites. Los resultados obtenidos fueron: (A) Todas las poblaciones analizadas estuvieron en equilibrio Hardy-Weinberg para los loci O, S y para los cuatro loci microsatélites estudiados, con la excepción de la población de La Habana para el locus S. (B) Los fenogramas obtenidos mostraron que las relaciones de las seis poblaciones latinoamericanas de gatos respecto a las poblaciones españolas y europeas fueron muy heterogéneas. Por ejemplo, la población de Asunción (Paraguay) fue genéticamente indistinguible de algunas poblaciones de gatos analizadas en Cataluña, tanto con los genes morfológicos como con los microsatélites, mientras que Santiago presentó más semejanzas con las poblaciones de gatos de presunto origen británico en la costa Este de los Estados Unidos cuando se utilizaron los genes del pelaje. La fuerte heterogeneidad genética entre algunas de las poblaciones latinoamericanas estudiadas hace pensar en que diversas migraciones geográficas, o temporales, se dieron desde España, o que diversos grados de deriva genética se dieron en la fundación de las diferentes poblaciones latinoamericanas estudiadas. Finalmente, los resultados moleculares son similares a los obtenidos con los genes de codificación morfológica por lo que la evolución global de éstos parece más modulada por fuerzas neutrales que selectivas.

Stray dog control and zoonotic disease prevention in Grenada

Marisa, D., Cotran, E. K., Bidaisee, S., & Keku, E. O. (2016). The Effectivenessof Stray Dog Control and Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Global Health: An One Health Approach from Grenada. J Translational Diagn Technol, 1(1), 1-6.

Introduction: CranThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of stray dog control and disease prevention in Grenada by using a one health approach and address the associated global health implications.
Methods: A review of stray dog policy in Grenada, descriptive statistics analysis and interviews were conducted. World Organization for Animal Health’s and Grenada Dogs Registration and Control Act were reviewed. Quantitative data from 2008-2012 on registration, vaccinations, number of dog complaints filed and outcome of dog captures. Retrospective, oneon-one interviews with 14 stakeholders from three groups identified as being directly associated with the stray dog prevention
and control were performed.
Results: The Grenada Dogs Registration and Control Act provided an adequate framework for stray dog control. There was a decrease in the number of dogs registered and vaccinated and a steady increase in dogs captured and related complaints. Interview data suggested that community education, dog ownership, non-governmental organization involvement, and Grenada’s Stray Dog Control Program (SDCP) responsibility are needed to strengthen stray dog control programs and
disease prevention.
Discussion: Expansion of SDCP services is needed to reduce free-roaming dogs and disease risk to humans. A positive response from program users suggested that the SDCP is well-received by the community. Integration among stakeholders and increased access to the program's services in rural communities is needed. These findings have implication for further policy development to reduce global health risks associated with zoonotic diseases found in stray dogs.

Stray Dog Control and Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Grenada

Bidaisee, S. (2015). Stray Dog Control and Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Grenada. In 143rd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (October 31-November 4, 2015). APHA.

Introduction: Grenada, a small island in the Eastern Caribbean, is home to a significant population of stray dogs. Stray dogs pose a serious public health risk, as they are associated with an increased prevalence of zoonotic disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate Grenada’s stray dog control practices.

Methodology: Mixed methods approach utilizing secondaty quantitative data analysis of available data on registration/vaccination rates, number of dogs captured and outcome of dog captures for the years 2008-2012 and qualitative enquiry utilizing Interviews with agencies involved with dog population control. A document review was also conducted to compared for similarities and differences between the ‘Dogs (Registration and Control)’ Act 24 found in Laws of Grenada 2002 and World Organisation for Animal Health’s (OIE) ‘Guidelines on stray dog population control.

Results: There was a decrease in the number of dogs registered/vaccinated between 2008 and 2012. Meanwhile there was an increase in both dogs captured and dog related complaints. The majority of dogs captured by the SDCP control officers were euthanized, while a small number were adopted out from the SDCP facility or from the GSPCA kennel, some were returned to the owner, and a small number died while held in the SDCP facility. Interview data recommended that integration among stakeholders and increased access to the program's services in rural communities is needed. Documents demonstrated that the legislative Act provided adequate framework for stray dog control

Conclusion: Expansion of Stray Dog Control Program services is needed to reduce free-roaming dogs in public places and disease risk to humans.

Prevalence of parasites in indoor and outdoor cats on St. Kitts

Ketzis, J. K., Shell, L., Chinault, S., Pemberton, C., & Pereira, M. M. (2015). The prevalence of Trichuris spp. infection in indoor and outdoor cats on St. Kitts. The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 9(01), 111-113.

Introduction: The present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Trichuris spp. and other intestinal parasitic infections in owned cats on St. Kitts.
Methodology: The feces of 41 non-feral cats (23 indoor only; 18 indoor/outdoor) were examined for the presence of Trichuris spp. eggs.
Results: Nine (22%) of the cats were positive for Trichuris spp. Prevalence of trichuriasis in indoor cats was 26.0% as compared to 16.7% in outdoor cats. Other parasites identified included Ancylostoma spp. (10%; 4 cats), Toxocara cati (2%; 1 cat), Platynosomum spp. (22%; 9 cats), Mammomonogamus spp. (2%; 1 cat) and coccidia (7%; 3 cats).
Conclusion: On St. Kitts, indoor cats are as likely to have parasite infections as outdoor cats. Given the zoonotic potential of some of the identified parasites, periodical anthelmintic treatment should be provided to both indoor and outdoor cats.

Cat eradication and the restoration of endangered iguanas on Long Cay

Mitchell, N., Haeffner, R., Veer, V., Fulford-Gardner, M., Clerveaux, W., Veitch, C. R., & Mitchell, G. (2002). Cat eradication and the restoration of endangered iguanas (Cyclura carinata) on Long Cay, Caicos bank, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies. In Veitch, C. R., & Clout, M. N. (2002). Turning the Tide: The Eradication of Invasive Species: Proceedings of the International Conference on Eradication of Island Invasives,[University of Auckland, 19 to 23 February 2001] (No. 27). IUCN, 206-212.

Endangered Turks and Caicos rock iguanas (Cyclura carinata) are being displaced on Big Ambergris Cay
by an expansive development project. We chose Long Cay, Caicos Bank, as a relocation site for some iguanas because it: (1) is a large (111 ha), uninhabited, protected reserve, (2) previously supported iguanas but did not have a current population, (3) could support thousands of iguanas, and (4) had no native mammals, few scavenging birds, and no nesting colonies of scavengers. There was a small population of feral cats, well-known iguana predators. To restore the island, we conducted an intensive cat poisoning campaign using sodium monofluoroacetate (1080), in July 1999. In November 1999, a test-group of 25 iguanas was taken from Big Ambergris Cay to Long Cay. Since their successful establishment we have relocated more than 400. The first hatchlings were confirmed in January 2001. Occasional trapping may be necessary to maintain Long Cay free of cats. We have begun patrols and courtesy visits to vessels cruising the area, installed informative and cautionary signs, and produced public service announcements for TV to reinforce the importance of keeping domestic animals away from uninhabited islands.

Reducing feral cats' threats to human health and biodiversity

USDA. (2003). Management of feral and free-ranging cat populations to reduce threats to human health and safety and impacts to native wildlife species in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. USDA. APHIS. 69 pp.


No abstract available. Click for full text.

Eradication of cats and other aliens as conservation tool in isla Cabritos, Dominican Republic

Ortiz, R., Rijo, C., Ramnanan, N., Brocca, J., Jolley, W., Hall, T., Herrera-Giraldo, J.L., Swinnerton, K. 2014. The eradication of invasive species as conservation tool for protection and increase of populations critically threatened species in isla Cabritos, Dominican Republic.  VIII Congreso Biodiversidad Caribeña, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo

The eradication of invasive alien species is one of the most valuable tools for effective conservation and protection of native wildlife on islands. The presentation disclosed efforts in 2012 and 2013 to eradicate feral cats (Felis catus) and donkeys (Equus asinus) on Cabritos Island, Lake Enriquillo, Dominican Republic. There, the invaders have negatively impacted many species, including one of the four subpopulations globally fragmented Ricord's iguana (Cyclura ricordi), endemic to Hispaniola and Critically Endangered. Local partners working with eradication experts assembled and trained a local field team to eradicate invasive species on this island, development and application of methods and strategies for removal. After six weeks, the team continued to work independently, with technical support and remote assistance. The cats were removed by cage-trapping and elevated leg-holder traps, the donkeys with the use of snares, most of them delivered to local community organizations. The primary objective of the project is the restoration of Cabritos, to ensure the survival of endangered species, maintain ecotourism initiatives and develop local capacity and support from the local government for future restoration projects islands. These activities take place in the framework of the project "Mitigating the Threats of Invasive Alien Species in the Insular Caribbean" implemented in the Dominican Republic by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, with funding from GEF / UNEP.


La erradicación de especies invasoras como herramienta de conservación para proteger e incrementar poblaciones de especies críticamente amenazadas en las isla Cabritos, República Dominicana.

La erradicación de especies exóticas invasoras es una de las herramientas más valiosas y eficaces deconservación para proteger la vida silvestre nativa en islas.Se presentarán los esfuerzos realizados en 2012 y 2013 para erradicar gatos (Felis catus) y burros (Equus asinus) asilvestrados en la isla Cabritos, Lago Enriquillo, República Dominicana. Allí, las invasoras han impactado negativamente numerosas especies, incluyendo una de las cuatro subpoblaciones globalmente fragmentadas de la iguana de Ricord (Cyclura ricordi), endémica de la Hispaniola y en Peligro Crítico. Los socios locales, trabajando con expertos en erradicación, ensamblaron y entrenaron un equipo de campo local para erradicar las especies invasoras en esta isla, desarrollo y aplicación de métodos y estrategias de remoción. Después de seis semanas, el equipo local continuó trabajando de forma independiente, con apoyo técnico y asistencia remota. Los gatos fueron removidos por captura con trampas-jaula y trampas sujeta-patas elevadas; los burros con el uso de lazos, la mayoría de éstos entregados a organizaciones comunitarias locales. El objetivo primario del proyecto es la restauración de la Isla Cabritos, para garantizar la supervivencia de especies amenazadas, mantener las iniciativas de ecoturismo y desarrollar la capacidad local y el apoyo del gobierno para futuros proyectos locales de restauración de islas. Estas actividades se desarrollan en el marco del proyecto “Mitigando las Amenazas de las Especies Exóticas Invasoras en el Caribe Insular”, implementado en la República Dominicana por el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, con el financiamiento de GEF/UNEP.

Removing invasive mammals from Alto Velo Island, Dominican Republic

Herrera-Giraldo, J. L. , León, Y., Rijo, C. & Swinnerton, K. 2014. Restoring Alto Velo Island, Dominican Republic: Protecting important colonies of marine birds and habitats for endemic reptiles by removing exotic invasive spscies. VIII Congreso Biodiversidad Caribeña, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo

Caribbean islands host numerous endemic species, unique ecosystems, and globally irreplaceable biodiversity. In the Caribbean Biodiversity Hotspot, invasive species have been identified as the greatest threat to biodiversity. Globally, about 80% of species extinctions have occurred on islands, with invasive species implicated as a primary cause. Worldwide, invasive species eradication is increasingly being used as a valuable conservation tool with which to successfully restore island biodiversity. In the Dominican Republic, a partnership between Grupo Jaragua, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and Island Conservation, has provided an opportunity to restore Isla Alto Velo through invasive species eradication. Alto Velo is part of the Jaragua National Park which is itself an Important Bird Area and a Key Biodiversity Area. The island is home to one of the largest breeding colony of sooty terns in the insular Caribbean and supports three species of reptiles unique to the island. A feasibility study indicated that the complete and permanent removal of invasive rats, cats, and goats from Isla Alto Velo is technically achievable. During the next months, the project partners will develop a systematic and science-based strategy to remove these invasive species from the island. The overall project goal is to create a wildlife sanctuary in the Dominican Republic where endemic and native species are free from invasive species impacts. In addition, this conservation action would promote the recovery of historically important seabird colonies and could provide future breeding habitat for the endangered black-capped petrel (Pterodroma hasitata), a species threatened by invasive vertebrates.




Restauración de la Isla Alto Velo, República dominicana: Protegiendo importantes colonias de aves marinas y hábitat para reptiles endémicos mediante la remoción de Especies exóticas invasoras

Las Islas del Caribe son refugio de numerosas especies endémicas, ecosistemas únicos y de una irremplazable biodiversidad a nivel mundial. Dentro de los Focos de Biodiversidad en el Caribe, las especies invasoras han sido identificadas como la mayor amenaza para la biodiversidad. Globalmente, cerca del 80% de las extinciones de especies han ocurrido en islas, siendo las especies invasoras uno de los principales causantes. Actualmente, la erradicación de especies invasoras se está utilizando cada vez más como un útil y eficaz instrumento de conservación para restaurar exitosamente la flora y fauna en islas. En la República Dominicana, una alianza entre el Grupo Jaragua, el Ministerio del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales y Island Conservation, ha creado una oportunidad de restaurar la Isla Alto Velo mediante la erradicación de especies invasoras. Alto Velo es parte del Parque Nacional Jaragua, el cual es un Área Importante para las Aves y un Área Clave para la Biodiversidad. La isla provee refugio para una de las mayores colonias de la gaviota oscura en el Caribe Insular y para tres reptiles endémicos. Un estudio de viabilidad indicó que la remoción completa y permanente de ratas, gatos y chivos asilvestrados de Isla Alto Velo es técnicamente viable. Durante los próximos meses, los aliados del proyecto desarrollarán una estrategia sistemática y fundamentada en ciencia para eliminar estas especies invasoras de la isla. El objetivo general del proyecto es crear un santuario de vida silvestre en la República Dominicana, donde las especies endémicas y nativas estén libres de los impactos de especies invasoras. Además, esta acción de conservación promoverá la recuperación de las colonias de aves marinas y podría proporcionar hábitat para la reproducción del diablotín, una especie en amenaza por la presencia de vertebrados invasores.

Rapid assessment of feral cats and other invasive mammals in Santa María key, Cuba

BORROTO, R., PLASENCIA, I. R., & ALBERNAS, J. H. 2013. Valoración rápida de gatos ferales y otros mamíferos invasores en cayo Santa María, norte de Villa Clara, Cuba. Solenodon, 11: 120-130. (In Spanish, with English abstract)

The presence of cats in touristic and natural areas was evaluated in Santa María key, North of Villa Clara, Cuba. Trapping methods in touristic areas produced a low index of 0.1 cats/trap-night, possibly due to the cat rejection of traps; however, visual counts resulted in a high index of 42.8 cats/ha, with a minimum of 1.7 cat/ha in two hotels. Trapping in natural areas was not successful due to the consumption of bait by ants, other reasons for trap failure are discussed, and the cat evaluation was indirectly evaluated. In touristic areas the dog/ha index varied from 11.3 to 0.1 and the dogs entered protected areas constantly. The presence of black rats was detected indirectly by skeletal and pellet remains in a cave and owl perchs (Tyto alba). The implication of the presence of cats and other invasive mammals in touristic areas and the importance of control and management to avoid faunal impacts in the protected area are discussed.

Impact of stray dogs and cats on the community in the Caribbean

Trotman, M. (n.d.). Regional realities: Impact of stray dogs and cats on the community: Impact on economy, including tourism: Impact on livestock, wildlife and the environment.

The welfare concerns surrounding stray and roaming dogs and cats are well understood, however the impact that these animals have on Caribbean societies is often not fully appreciated, nor as far as I know, have the economic losses been quantified. Losses in terms of the cost of health care and veterinary care, losses to the agriculture industry, indirect losses to the tourist industry and of course the environmental costs. It is important that when designing animal control and animal welfare programmes for Caribbean Islands, the unique circumstances (social, cultural, environmental and economic) that exist in each territory be taken into account.

Conservation in Florida Keys campaign

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PVA supports cats' control to manage endangered mammal

Forys, E. A., & Humphrey, S. R. (1999). Use of population viability analysis to evaluate management options for the endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbit. The Journal of wildlife management, 251-260.

We conducted a population viability analysis (PVA) for the federally endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri). We estimated parameters via livetrapping, radiotelemetry, and fecal-pellet counting during a 2.5-year study. Historically, this subspecies ranged throughout the Lower Keys of Florida, but today the marsh rabbit is limited to 41 subpopulations occurring in 3 distinct metapopulations. To evaluate this subspecies' risk of extinction, we used VORTEX, a simulation modeling program, that combined deterministic and stochastic birth and death events, differing migration rates based on spatially explicit patch structure, and extinction and recolonization. Our simulation calculated the chance that each metapopulation would go extinct under current conditions and several management scenarios. Under current conditions, the model predicted there is a 100% chance that all metapopulations will go extinct. The metapopulation with many small patches went extinct faster than the metapopulations with fewer, larger patches. The most effective strategy to decrease the risk of extinction of all 3 metapopulations was to increase the survival rate in several age and sex classes by eliminating predation by domestic cats.

Impact of feral pets on island iguanas

Iverson, J. B. (1978). The impact of feral cats and dogs on populations of the West Indian rock iguana, Cyclura carinata. Biological Conservation,14(1), 63-73.

A population of rock iguanas, Cyclura carinata, inhabiting Pine Cay in the Caicos Islands was nearly extirpated during the three years following construction of a hotel and tourist facility. The decline, from an estimated adult lizard population of nearly 5500, was due primarily to predation by domestic dogs and cats introduced to the island simultaneously with hotel construction. Population declines on other nearby islands were also attributed to predation by these feral mammals.