Scientists catch a feral cat killing a large mammal on camera 'for the first time'

From http://www.abc.net.au/

A Tasmanian scientist has caught on camera a feral cat killing and eating a four-kilogram pademelon, providing the best direct evidence of feral cats killing mammals heavier than two kilograms.

Continue reading 

Long-term protection of seabird breeding colonies on Tasman Island through eradication of cats

Robinson, S., Gadd, L., Johnston, M., & Pauza, M. (2015). Long-term protection of important seabird breeding colonies on Tasman Island through eradication of cats. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 39(2), 0-0.

A restoration programme was initiated in 2008 in response to high levels of seabird predation by feral cats (Felis catus) at Australia’s largest fairy prion (Pachyptila turtur) colony on Tasman Island, Tasmania. The primary knockdown involved aerial baiting with para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) in meat baits. The efficacy of baiting was lower than expected resulting in trapping and hunting commencing earlier than planned. Cats were successfully eradicated over two weeks. Key to the success of the programme was the identification of a narrow window of low prey availability for cats. Post-eradication monitoring of the two most common seabird species, fairy prions and short-tailed shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris), showed positive signs towards population recovery. Prion activity increased three-fold and shearwater breeding success increased.

Tasmanian farmers and environmentalists team up to eradicate feral cat threat

From http://www.abc.net.au/

Farmers and environmentalists in northern Tasmania are teaming up to eradicate feral cats blamed for killing more than 20 billion native Australian animals a year, as well as threatening livestock ... continue reading

Photographic evidence of feral cat predation on Tasmanian fauna

Fancourt, B. (2015). Making a killing: photographic evidence of feral cat (Felis catus) predation of a Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii). Australian Mammalogy.

Feral cats (Felis catus) have contributed to the extinction of numerous Australian mammals and are a major threat to many species of conservation significance. Small mammals are considered to be those at greatest risk of cat predation, with risk typically inferred from dietary studies. However, dietary studies may provide only weak inference as to the risk of cat predation for some species. The most compelling evidence of predation risk comes from direct observation of killing events; however such observations are rare and photographic evidence is even rarer. I present photographic evidence of a feral cat killing and consuming an adult female Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii). This observation provides direct evidence that feral cats can kill prey up to 4 kg in body mass, with potential implications for the conservation of medium-sized mammals.

Feral cats eradicated from Tasman Island

from http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/

Feral cats eradicated from Tasman Island

01/06/2011

Tasman Island’s sea birds are on the road to recovery following the success of a program to eradicate feral cats and restore the island’s natural values.

The Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, Brian Wightman, said a final check of the island last week by staff from the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment found no sign of feral cats and the island has been declared free from feral cats.

The program to eradicate cats from the 120 hectare island, which forms part of the Tasman National Park, began in 2008. Detailed research and planning was undertaken and an eradication plan was produced in 2009.

Tasman Island is home to Australia’s largest colony of fairy prions and it was estimated that the island’s feral cat population of about 50 was killing approximately 50,000 fairy prions and other sea birds each year.

Continue reading

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.

Dog predation and disturbance on wildlife

Holderness-Roddam, B., & McQuillan, P. B. (2014). Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) as a predator and disturbance agent of wildlife in Tasmania.Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, (ahead-of-print), 1-12.

Domestic dogs are potentially a threat to the wellbeing of Tasmania's native wildlife in urban reserves, possibly comparable to cats. Dogs disrupt feeding and breeding in wildlife. Greater Hobart has 33,000 registered domestic dogs, concentrated in the more densely populated areas. Datasets of the Resource Management and Conservation Division of the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, and the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Wildlife Hospital at Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria, were used to compare the effects of dogs as predators with cats. These datasets indicated that dogs were responsible for more reported attacks on wildlife than cats. These findings have management implications for local councils, who are typically responsible for such areas. They need to review the urban natural areas where dogs are permitted, both on leash and off leash, and then consider monitoring dog owner behaviour at peak dog walking periods – in evenings and at weekends – and prosecute non-compliant dog owners. At the planning stage for new subdivisions, particularly those near sensitive wildlife areas, councils should consider mandating bushland reserves with larger buffer zones to reduce the effects of residential development.

Toxoplasmosis prevalence in Tasmania's cats

Fancourt, B., & Jackson, R. (2014). Regional seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in feral and stray cats (Felis catus) from Tasmania. Australian Journal of Zoology.

Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite of felids that also has significant implications for the health of wildlife, livestock and humans worldwide. In Australia, feral, stray and domestic cats (Felis catus) are the most important definitive host of T. gondii as they are the only species that can excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts that provide a major source of infection for mammals and birds. In Tasmania, the rapid decline of the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) may allow an increase in feral cat abundance, thereby increasing the risk of T. gondii infection to a range of susceptible wildlife species. At present, there is scant information on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in feral cat populations across Tasmania. We tested feral cats from 13 regions across Tasmania for the presence of T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies using a modified agglutination test. Results were combined with serosurveys from three previous studies to enable a comparison of seroprevalence among 14 regions across Tasmania. We found 84.2% (224/266) of cats tested positive for T. gondii IgG antibodies. This is among the highest rates of prevalence recorded from Australia, and significantly higher than most other countries. Adult cats had higher seroprevalence than kittens but there was no difference between sexes. In Tasmania, seroprevalence was high in 12 of 14 regions (range: 79.3% - 100.0%), with only two regions (Tasman Island and Southern Tasmania) recording significantly lower seroprevalence (≤50%). This suggests a high risk of infection across Tasmania, and has significant implications for wildlife conservation should feral cat abundance increase with the ongoing declines in devils.

Invasive mammal eradication on Macquarie Island

Springer, K. 2014. Pest Eradication on Macquarie Island. Australia's State of the Islands Report. Pp. 70-80.

Invasive vertebrate species have been present on Macquarie Island for over 200 years, and have had devastating impacts on flora, fauna and landforms. Weka (Gallirallus australis) were successfully eradicated by 1989 and feral cats (Felis catus) by 2001. Planning for the eradication of ship rats (Rattus rattus), house mice (Mus musculus) and European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) began in 2004. Funding of AUD$24.7M was secured in 2007 for a multi-year project based on aerial baiting that targeted rabbits and rodents, followed by hunting of any surviving rabbits. Following three years of planning, the first aerial baiting attempt in 2010 was abandoned after two months due to unfavourable weather and shipping delays. The degree of non-target seabird species mortality from the limited baiting in 2010 lead to a renewed examination of non-target mitigation options. Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) was introduced in February 2011, to reduce the pre-baiting rabbit population and thus minimise non-target mortality amongst scavenging seabirds. Aerial baiting resumed in May 2011 using four AS350 helicopters and a team of 27 people, and was completed by July 2011. No rodents have been detected post-baiting and the estimated rabbit population in excess of 150,000 has been reduced to less than an estimated 30 at the conclusion of baiting. Some rabbits were expected to survive baiting, and the hunting phase commenced in July 2011 using a team of 15 hunters and 12 dogs. By December 2011thirteen rabbits had been accounted for. Hunting efforts are ongoing, and together with a monitoring phase are planned to continue for five years. A minimum of two years monitoring for rabbits will be conducted. Continued effort each year will be based on annual progress reviews. Rodent detection dogs will deploy in 2013 to assist in determining rodent eradication success. After one summer since baiting, vegetation recovery is already evident and increased burrow-nesting seabird activity has also been observed in the first breeding season postbaiting.

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.

Cat killed critically endangered orange-bellied parrots

From http://www.themercury.com.au
June, 27, 2013
Tasmania

TWO of the estimated 320 remaining orange-bellied parrots (Neophema chrysogaster) have died after a cat made its way into a government breeding enclosure.

The endangered birds, described by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service as one of the world's most rare and endangered bird species, died at Taroona last month.
Environment Minister Brian Wightman confirmed the deaths in Tasmanian Parliament yesterday.

"With a population of perhaps fewer than 50 individuals [in the wild], the species is critically endangered," he said."That is why it is very important we have correct housing for these birds."We will continue to ensure that the facilities we have in the north and south of the state are secure and my expectation as minister would be that if there has been an issue that it is fixed in a timely manner and we will undertake to make sure it has occurred."

Tasmanian Greens environment spokeswoman Cassy O'Connor said nothing should be left to chance with so few of the birds left in the wild."The orange-bellied parrot is perched at the brink of extinction, and this breeding program is critical to the survival of this treasured species," Ms O'Connor said."There is some incredible work being done to ensure the survival of the orange-bellied parrot in Tasmania, and the Greens commend everybody involved in the program."If we are going to put the effort and resources into a breeding program, then it's important to ensure that the security and staffing are adequate."

An inspection of an enclosure at Taroona, one of three major breeding facilities in Australia, showed a hole in the enclosure.A letter from Sandy Bay vet James Harris to Mr Wightman in late May said he suspected the intrusion by the cat had startled the birds.

A cat was trapped in the enclosure two days after the birds' deaths.

Cat detection depending on dominant native predator presence

Lazenby BT, & Dickman CR (2013) Patterns of Detection and Capture Are Associated with Cohabiting Predators and Prey. PLoS ONE 8(4): e59846. 

Avoidance behaviour can play an important role in structuring ecosystems but can be difficult to uncover and quantify. Remote cameras have great but as yet unrealized potential to uncover patterns arising from predatory, competitive or other interactions that structure animal communities by detecting species that are active at the same sites and recording their behaviours and times of activity. Here, we use multi-season, two-species occupancy models to test for evidence of interactions between introduced (feral cat Felis catus) and native predator (Tasmanian devil Sarcophilus harrisii) and predator and small mammal (swamp rat Rattus lutreolus velutinus) combinations at baited camera sites in the cool temperate forests of southern Tasmania. In addition, we investigate the capture rates of swamp rats in traps scented with feral cat and devil faecal odours. We observed that one species could reduce the probability of detecting another at a camera site. In particular, feral cats were detected less frequently at camera sites occupied by devils, whereas patterns of swamp rat detection associated with devils or feral cats varied with study site. Captures of swamp rats were not associated with odours on traps, although fewer captures tended to occur in traps scented with the faecal odour of feral cats. The observation that a native carnivorous marsupial, the Tasmanian devil, can suppress the detectability of an introduced eutherian predator, the feral cat, is consistent with a dominant predator – mesopredator relationship. Such a relationship has important implications for the interaction between feral cats and the lower trophic guilds that form their prey, especially if cat activity increases in places where devil populations are declining. More generally, population estimates derived from devices such as remote cameras need to acknowledge the potential for one species to change the detectability of another, and incorporate this in assessments of numbers and survival.

Dogs in gardens could benefit some indigenous birds

Daniels, G.D. & J.B. Kirkpatrick. 2006. Does variation in garden characteristics influence the conservation of birds in suburbia? Biological Conservation, 133: 326-335.

Can enhancement of garden habitat for native birds have conservation benefits, or are garden bird assemblages determined by landscape and environmental characteristics? The relative roles of vegetation structure, floristics and other garden attributes, and environmental and landscape controls, on the abundance and richness of bird species in 214 back or front gardens in 10 suburbs of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, are addressed to answer this question. Birds were counted in each garden and the resources they utilized noted. Vascular plant species and other attributes of the garden were noted, along with rainfall, altitude, distance from natural vegetation, distance from the city and garden size. Garden floristics and bird assemblages were ordinated, and garden groups characterized by particular assemblages of birds identified. General linear modelling was used to determine the combinations of independent variables that best predicted the richness of birds and the abundance of individual bird species and groups of species. The models for bird richness, bird species and groups of bird species were highly individualistic. Although native birds showed a preference for native plants, they also utilized many exotic plants. Exotic birds largely utilized exotic plants. Variation in garden characteristics does substantially affect the nature of garden bird assemblages in Hobart, with weaker environmental and landscape influences. The fact that gardens can be designed and managed to favour particular species and species assemblages gives gardeners a potentially substantial role in the conservation of urban native avifauna.

See also here