Journal articles on the topic 'Feral cats diet'
To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Feral cats diet.
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 journal articles for your research on the topic 'Feral cats diet.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse journal articles on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
C. Hess, Steven, Heidi Hansen, Daniel Nelson, Roberta Swift, and Paul C. Banko. "Diet of Feral Cats in Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park." Pacific Conservation Biology 13, no. 4 (2007): 244. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc070244.
Full textAbstract:
We documented the diet of feral cats by analysing the contents of 42 digestive tracts from Kilauea and Mauna Loa In Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Small mammals, invertebrates, and birds were the most common prey types consumed by feral cats. Birds occurred in 27.8?29.2% of digestive tracts. The total number of bird, small mammal, and invertebrate prey differed between Kilauea and Mauna Loa. On Mauna Loa, significantly more (89%) feral cats consumed small mammals, primarily rodents, than on Kilauea Volcano (50%). Mice (Mus musculus) were the major component of the feral cat diet on Mauna Loa, whereas Orthoptera were the major component of the diet on Kilauea. We recovered a mandible set, feathers, and bones of an endangered Hawaiian Petrel (Plerodroma sandwichensis) from a digestive tract from Mauna Loa. This specimen represents the first well-documented endangered seabird to be recovered from the digestive tract of a feral cat in Hawai'i and suggests that feral cats prey on this species.
2
Short, Jeff, Michael C. Calver, and Danielle A. Risbey. "The impact of cats and foxes on the small vertebrate fauna of Heirisson Prong, Western Australia. I. Exploring potential impact using diet analysis." Wildlife Research 26, no. 5 (1999): 621. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr98066.
Full textAbstract:
The diets of cats (Felis catus) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) killed during predator control at a semi-arid site in Western Australia were studied to see which prey species may be affected by predation from these introduced predators. The number of items, biomass and frequency of occurrence of each food type in the gut contents from 109 feral cats, 62 semi-feral cats and 47 foxes were used to calculate an Index of Relative Importance for each food category for each predator. Mammals were the most important prey group for all three predators, with rabbit being the most highly ranked prey species. The diets of feral and semi-feral cats were similar in dietary diversity but differed in the frequency of occurrence of some food categories. Native rodents, birds and reptiles occurred more frequently and were ranked higher in the diet of feral cats, and food scraps occurred more frequently in the diet of semi-feral cats. The diet of foxes was less diverse than that of either group of cats. Invertebrates and sheep carrion were more important prey categories for foxes than for cats. In the summer–autumn period, foxes ate more sheep carrion and invertebrates than they did in winter–spring. The diet of feral cats was more diverse in summer–autumn, including a greater range of invertebrates and more rodents, birds and reptiles than in the winter–spring period. We predict that cats are more likely to have an impact on small vertebrates at this site and that the control of cats could lead to recoveries in the populations of native rodents, birds and reptiles. By contrast, the control of foxes alone may lead to a rise in cat numbers and a consequent detrimental impact on small vertebrate populations.
3
Paltridge, Rachel, David Gibson, and Glenn Edwards. "Diet of the Feral Cat (Felis catus) in Central Australia." Wildlife Research 24, no. 1 (1997): 67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr96023.
Full textAbstract:
Feral cats (Felis catus) occur throughout central Australia. In this study, we analysed the stomach contents of 390 feral cats collected between 1990 and 1994 from the southern half of the Northern Territory. Cats fed on a wide variety of invertebrates, reptiles, birds and mammals, including animals up to their own body mass in size. Mammals were the most important prey but reptiles were regularly eaten in summer and birds were important in winter. Invertebrates were present in the diet in all seasons. Carrion appeared in stomach samples during dry winters only and this has implications for future control of feral cats.
4
Shionosaki, Kazumi, Fumio Yamada, Takuya Ishikawa, and Shozo Shibata. "Feral cat diet and predation on endangered endemic mammals on a biodiversity hot spot (Amami–Ohshima Island, Japan)." Wildlife Research 42, no. 4 (2015): 343. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr14161.
Full textAbstract:
Context There has been concern that feral cats have negative impacts on the endangered endemic mammals of Amami-Ohshima Island, Japan, including the Amami rabbit, Pentalagus furnessi, Ryukyu long-tailed giant rat, Diplothrix legata, and Amami spiny rat, Tokudaia osimensis. However, no diet study of feral cat has been conducted to support the necessity of an urgent feasible feral-cat management for the island. Aims The aims of the present study were to analyse feral-cat diet on Amami-Ohshima Island by using scat analysis and estimate the potential predation impact of feral cats on endangered mammals on the island. Methods The diet of feral cats was studied using scat analysis. We estimated the number of prey, percentage of prey, frequency of occurrence (the percentage of scats in a sample containing a particular prey item), percentage of biomass (biomass of the same prey item divided by the total consumed biomass ×100) and daily consumed biomass (DCB). Key results Three endangered endemic mammals were the main prey species of the feral cat diet (65% of total DCB). The percentage contributions of these species on DCB were long-tailed giant rat (34.7%), Amami spiny rat (21.9%) and Amami rabbit (12%). Conclusions Mammals, especially endangered endemic mammals, were main prey species of feral cat on Amami Island. In Amami Island, where native and invasive rodents coexisted, feral cats consumed more native (56.6%) than invasive (22.2% for Rattus rattus) species. Implications Feral cats are likely to be having a significant impact on endangered endemic mammals on the island. To ensure the long-term survival of these endemic species, active management of the feral-cat population should be considered.
5
Woolley, Leigh-Ann, Brett P. Murphy, Hayley M. Geyle, Sarah M. Legge, Russell A. Palmer, Chris R. Dickman, Tim S. Doherty, et al. "Introduced cats eating a continental fauna: invertebrate consumption by feral cats (Felis catus) in Australia." Wildlife Research 47, no. 8 (2020): 610. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr19197.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract ContextRecent global concern over invertebrate declines has drawn attention to the causes and consequences of this loss of biodiversity. Feral cats, Felis catus, pose a major threat to many vertebrate species in Australia, but their effect on invertebrates has not previously been assessed. AimsThe objectives of our study were to (1) assess the frequency of occurrence (FOO) of invertebrates in feral cat diets across Australia and the environmental and geographic factors associated with this variation, (2) estimate the number of invertebrates consumed by feral cats annually and the spatial variation of this consumption, and (3) interpret the conservation implications of these results. MethodsFrom 87 Australian cat-diet studies, we modelled the factors associated with variation in invertebrate FOO in feral cat-diet samples. We used these modelled relationships to predict the number of invertebrates consumed by feral cats in largely natural and highly modified environments. Key resultsIn largely natural environments, the mean invertebrate FOO in feral cat dietary samples was 39% (95% CI: 31–43.5%), with Orthoptera being the most frequently recorded order, at 30.3% (95% CI: 21.2–38.3%). The highest invertebrate FOO occurred in lower-rainfall areas with a lower mean annual temperature, and in areas of greater tree cover. Mean annual invertebrate consumption by feral cats in largely natural environments was estimated to be 769 million individuals (95% CI: 422–1763 million) and in modified environments (with mean FOO of 27.8%) 317 million invertebrates year−1, giving a total estimate of 1086 million invertebrates year−1 consumed by feral cats across the continent. ConclusionsThe number of invertebrates consumed by feral cats in Australia is greater than estimates for vertebrate taxa, although the biomass (and, hence, importance for cat diet) of invertebrates taken would be appreciably less. The impact of predation by cats on invertebrates is difficult to assess because of the lack of invertebrate population and distribution estimates, but cats may pose a threat to some large-bodied narrowly restricted invertebrate species. ImplicationsFurther empirical studies of local and continental invertebrate diversity, distribution and population trends are required to adequately contextualise the conservation threat posed by feral cats to invertebrates across Australia.
6
Woinarski, J. C. Z., B. P. Murphy, R. Palmer, S. M. Legge, C. R. Dickman, T. S. Doherty, G. Edwards, A. Nankivell, J. L. Read, and D. Stokeld. "How many reptiles are killed by cats in Australia?" Wildlife Research 45, no. 3 (2018): 247. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr17160.
Full textAbstract:
Context Feral cats (Felis catus) are a threat to biodiversity globally, but their impacts upon continental reptile faunas have been poorly resolved. Aims To estimate the number of reptiles killed annually in Australia by cats and to list Australian reptile species known to be killed by cats. Methods We used (1) data from >80 Australian studies of cat diet (collectively >10 000 samples), and (2) estimates of the feral cat population size, to model and map the number of reptiles killed by feral cats. Key results Feral cats in Australia’s natural environments kill 466 million reptiles yr–1 (95% CI; 271–1006 million). The tally varies substantially among years, depending on changes in the cat population driven by rainfall in inland Australia. The number of reptiles killed by cats is highest in arid regions. On average, feral cats kill 61 reptiles km–2 year–1, and an individual feral cat kills 225 reptiles year–1. The take of reptiles per cat is higher than reported for other continents. Reptiles occur at a higher incidence in cat diet than in the diet of Australia’s other main introduced predator, the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Based on a smaller sample size, we estimate 130 million reptiles year–1 are killed by feral cats in highly modified landscapes, and 53 million reptiles year–1 by pet cats, summing to 649 million reptiles year–1 killed by all cats. Predation by cats is reported for 258 Australian reptile species (about one-quarter of described species), including 11 threatened species. Conclusions Cat predation exerts a considerable ongoing toll on Australian reptiles. However, it remains challenging to interpret the impact of this predation in terms of population viability or conservation concern for Australian reptiles, because population size is unknown for most Australian reptile species, mortality rates due to cats will vary across reptile species and because there is likely to be marked variation among reptile species in their capability to sustain any particular predation rate. Implications This study provides a well grounded estimate of the numbers of reptiles killed by cats, but intensive studies of individual reptile species are required to contextualise the conservation consequences of such predation.
7
McGregor, Hugh W., Hannah B. Cliff, and John Kanowski. "Habitat preference for fire scars by feral cats in Cape York Peninsula, Australia." Wildlife Research 43, no. 8 (2016): 623. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr16058.
Full textAbstract:
Context Feral cats are implicated in the decline of terrestrial native mammals across northern Australia. Research in the Kimberley region of north-western Australia found feral cats strongly selected for fire scars when hunting, suggesting that intensifying fire regimes will have severe consequences for declining prey species. Aims We tested the generality of cat–fire interaction beyond the Kimberley, by measuring habitat selection of feral cats in relation to fire scars and habitat types in north-eastern Australia. Methods Our study was conducted at Piccaninny Plains Wildlife Sanctuary, Cape York Peninsula. We live-captured feral cats during the dry season of 2015, released them with GPS collars set to record fixes at 15-min intervals, and recaptured cats 4 months later. We created dynamic habitat maps of vegetation types, fire and wetlands, and compared cat habitat selection using discrete choice modelling. We also measured cat density from arrays of camera traps and examined cat diet by analysis of stomach contents. Key results We obtained GPS movement data from 15 feral cats. Feral cats selected strongly for recent fire scars (1 or 2 months old), but avoided fire scars 3 months old or older. Three long-distance movements were recorded, all directed towards recent fire scars. Cats also selected for open wetlands, and avoided rainforests. Density of cats at Piccaninny Plains was higher than recorded elsewhere in northern Australia. All major vertebrate groups were represented in cat diet. Conclusions We showed that feral cats in north-eastern Australia strongly select for recent fire scars and open wetlands. These results are consistent with those from the Kimberley. Together, these studies have shown that amplified predation facilitated by loss of cover is likely to be a fundamental factor driving mammal decline across northern Australia. Implications Reducing the frequency of intense fires may indirectly reduce the impact of feral cats at a landscape scale in northern Australia. We also suggest that managers target direct cat control towards open wetlands and recently burnt areas, which cats are known to favour.
8
Rowland, Jesse, Conrad J. Hoskin, and Scott Burnett. "Distribution and diet of feral cats (Felis catus) in the Wet Tropics of north-eastern Australia, with a focus on the upland rainforest." Wildlife Research 47, no. 8 (2020): 649. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr19201.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract ContextFeral cats have been identified as a key threat to Australia’s biodiversity, particularly in arid areas and tropical woodlands. Their presence, abundance and potential impacts in rainforest have received less attention. AimsTo investigate the distribution and diet of feral cats (Felis catus) in upland rainforest of the Wet Tropics. MethodsWe collated available occurrence records from the Wet Tropics, and data from upland camera-trapping surveys over an 8-year period, to assess geographic and elevational distribution of feral cats in the bioregion. We also assessed the diet of feral cats from scats collected at upland sites. Key resultsFeral cats are widespread through the Wet Tropics bioregion, from the lowlands to the peaks of the highest mountains (>1600m), and in all vegetation types. Abundance appears to vary greatly across the region. Cats were readily detected during camera-trap surveys in some upland rainforest areas (particularly in the southern Atherton Tablelands and Bellenden Ker Range), but were never recorded in some areas (Thornton Peak, the upland rainforest of Windsor Tableland and Danbulla National Park) despite numerous repeated camera-trap surveys over the past 8 years at some of these sites. Scat analysis suggested that small mammals comprise ~70% of the diet of feral cats at an upland rainforest site. Multivariate analysis could not detect a difference in mammal community at sites where cats were detected or not. ConclusionsFeral cats are widespread in the Wet Tropics and appear to be common in some upland areas. However, their presence and abundance are variable across the region, and the drivers of this variability are not resolved. Small mammals appear to be the primary prey in the rainforest, although the impacts of cats on the endemic and threatened fauna of the Wet Tropics is unknown. ImplicationsGiven their documented impact in some ecosystems, research is required to examine the potential impact of cats on Wet Tropics fauna, particularly the many upland endemic vertebrates. Studies are needed on (1) habitat and prey selection, (2) population dynamics, and (3) landscape source–sink dynamics of feral cats in the Wet Tropics.
9
Tidemann, CR, HD Yorkston, and AJ Russack. "The diet of cats, Felis catus, on Christmas Island, Indian Ocean." Wildlife Research 21, no. 3 (1994): 279. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9940279.
Full textAbstract:
Cats, Felis catus, were taken to Christmas Island (10�25'S,105�40'E) in the Indian Ocean at the time of first settlement in 1888 and a feral population became established soon thereafter. In 1988 a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate animals was present in the diet of these feral cats, but flying-foxes, Pteropus melanotus, fruit pigeons, Ducula whartoni, and introduced rats, Rattus rattus, together constituted 80% of their food intake by weight. Of the guts examined, 45% contained R. rattus, and this species accounted for 31% of food intake by weight. Less than 10% of cat guts contained P. melanotus and D. whartoni, but the large body weights of these species meant that by weight they made up 21% and 28% respectively. Mus musculus was found in 27% of guts examined, although it contributed only 2% by weight. It is likely that the large numbers of feral cats present in vegetative regrowth on mined areas are related to the ease with which all four primary prey species may be caught there. No evidence was found that cats are having a deleterious effect on native species and they may well be beneficial in stabilising the numbers of R. rattus, which itself can be a serious predator of nesting birds.
10
Woinarski, John C. Z., Sally L. South, Paul Drummond, Gregory R. Johnston, and Alex Nankivell. "The diet of the feral cat (Felis catus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and dog (Canis familiaris) over a three-year period at Witchelina Reserve, in arid South Australia." Australian Mammalogy 40, no. 2 (2018): 204. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am17033.
Full textAbstract:
Introduced predators have had, and continue to have, severe impacts on Australian biodiversity. At a recently established conservation reserve, Witchelina, in arid South Australia, we assessed the diet of feral cats (Felis catus) (404 samples), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) (51 samples) and dog (Canis familiaris) (11 samples) over a 3-year period. There was marked overlap (98.5%) in dietary composition between cats and foxes. Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) comprised a major dietary item for all three predators. Invertebrates contributed the largest number of prey items for foxes and cats, but mammals comprised the bulk, by weight, for all three predators. Birds and reptiles had a higher frequency of occurrence in the diet of cats than of foxes or dogs. The size of mammal prey taken was least for cats and greatest for dogs. The diets of cats and foxes showed significant seasonal variation, with reptiles and invertebrates being least common in the diet in winter. The threatened thick-billed grasswren (Amytornis modestus) was found for the first time in the diet of feral cats. Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) occurred in about one-third of cat and fox samples. This study contributes further to the evidence of biodiversity impacts of introduced predators, and the need for their strategic management.
11
D. Smucker, Ty, Gerald D. Lindsey, and Stephen M. Mosher. "Home range and diet of feral cats in Hawaii forests." Pacific Conservation Biology 6, no. 3 (2000): 229. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc000229.
Full textAbstract:
Feral cat Felis catus home range in a Hawaiian montane wet forest and their diet in three habitats - montane wet forest, subalpine dry forest, and lowland dry forest ? were determined to provide baseline ecological data and to assess potential impacts to native terrestrial fauna. Seven cats (three males and four females) were captured in 624 trap nights. Mean weight of adult cats was 2.85 � 0.27 (SE) kg for males and 1.87 � 0.03 kg for females. Mean diurnal home range using the adaptive kernel method was 5.74 � 2.73 km2 for three males and 2.23 � 0.44 km2 for two females. Daytime locations were always within the montane wet forest with the borders on one or more sides of the home ranges of all cats defined by open grassland pastures. Rodents comprised the majority of the cat diets in all three habitats, with the frequencies of occurrence between 0.88 and 0.91. Bird remains were a regular component of the diet of cats, with montane wet forest having the highest frequency of occurrence (0.68), followed by subalpine dry forest (0.53). and lowland dry forest (0.21).
12
Plantinga, Esther A., Guido Bosch, and Wouter H. Hendriks. "Estimation of the dietary nutrient profile of free-roaming feral cats: possible implications for nutrition of domestic cats." British Journal of Nutrition 106, S1 (October 12, 2011): S35—S48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0007114511002285.
Full textAbstract:
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, twenty-seven 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.
13
Martin, GR, LE Twigg, and DJ Robinson. "Comparison of the Diet of Feral Cats From Rural and Pastoral Western Australia." Wildlife Research 23, no. 4 (1996): 475. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9960475.
Full textAbstract:
The stomach contents of 93 cats from rural and pastoral Western Australia were compared using the number and biomass of food items, and by calculating an Index of Relative Importance for each food category. Species of small native mammals (e.g. dasyurids, rodents) and geckos were significantly (P < 0.03) more prevalent in the diet of pastoral cats, and rural cats consumed greater (P < 0.03) quantities of introduced rodents and rabbits. Several other groups of native animals (e.g. snakes, skinks, agamids) were also more prevalent in the stomachs of pastoral cats (P < 0.10). Birds and orthopterans were important food items to cats from both habitats. There was reasonable dietary overlap (mean = 0.71) between the cats from both habitats, but the dietary breadth of the pastoral cats (mean = 0.44) was two-fold greater than that of the rural cats (mean = 0.21). These findings are compared with previous studies, and are discussed with respect to possible implications for future management strategies for feral cats.
14
Holden, C., and G. Mutze. "Impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease on introduced predators in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia." Wildlife Research 29, no. 6 (2002): 615. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr00101.
Full textAbstract:
The impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) on the population dynamics and diet of foxes and feral cats was studied in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. Populations of both foxes and cats decreased substantially some 6–10 months after the advent of RHD, when rabbit numbers were reduced by 85%. The diet of foxes changed as a result of reduced rabbit numbers, with much less rabbit and more invertebrates and carrion being eaten. The physical condition of foxes showed little change after RHD. The diet of cats did not change markedly, but their physical condition was substantially poorer than before RHD. Total predation on native fauna is considered to have decreased after RHD.
15
Hutchings, Susan. "The diet of feral house cats (Felis catus) at a regional rubbish tip, Victoria." Wildlife Research 30, no. 1 (2003): 103. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr99067.
Full textAbstract:
The diet of feral cats (Felis catus) inhabiting a regional rubbish tip (dump) in Victoria was studied to determine whether cats utilised garbage or live prey from the surrounding heathlands for food. Between 30 and 50 cat scats were collected from the tip over two years in each of four sampling periods: spring 1997, autumn 1998, spring 1998 and autumn 1999. The scats were analysed to determine major dietary components, dietary breadth and seasonal overlap of diet. Bone fragments from meat scraps were the most frequent dietary item detected in the scats. Vertebrate prey species occurred less often in the cats' diet but a variety of both introduced and native species were represented. Analysis of dietary breadth confirmed that cats selected mainly meat and chicken scraps from the garbage but indicated that vertebrates were hunted opportunistically. Control measures are suggested to reduce cat numbers at regional rubbish tips to relieve potential impact on native wildlife.
16
Cypher, Brian L., Erica C. Kelly, Francesca J. Ferrara, Charles A. Drost, Tory L. Westall, and Brian R. Hudgens. "Diet patterns of island foxes on San Nicolas Island relative to feral cat removal." Pacific Conservation Biology 23, no. 2 (2017): 180. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc16037.
Full textAbstract:
Island foxes (Urocyon littoralis) are a species of conservation concern that occur on six of the Channel Islands off the coast of southern California. We analysed island fox diet on San Nicolas Island during 2006–12 to assess the influence of the removal of feral cats (Felis catus) on the food use by foxes. Our objective was to determine whether fox diet patterns shifted in response to the cat removal conducted during 2009–10, thus indicating that cats were competing with foxes for food items. We also examined the influence of annual precipitation patterns and fox abundance on fox diet. On the basis of an analysis of 1975 fox scats, use of vertebrate prey – deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), birds, and lizards – increased significantly during and after the complete removal of cats (n = 66) from the island. Deer mouse abundance increased markedly during and after cat removal and use of mice by foxes was significantly related to mouse abundance. The increase in mice and shift in item use by the foxes was consistent with a reduction in exploitative competition associated with the cat removal. However, fox abundance declined markedly coincident with the removal of cats and deer mouse abundance was negatively related to fox numbers. Also, annual precipitation increased markedly during and after cat removal and deer mouse abundance closely tracked precipitation. Thus, our results indicate that other confounding factors, particularly precipitation, may have had a greater influence on fox diet patterns.
17
Read, J. L., E. Dagg, and K. E. Moseby. "Prey selectivity by feral cats at central Australian rock-wallaby colonies." Australian Mammalogy 41, no. 1 (2019): 132. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am17055.
Full textAbstract:
Threatened warru, or black-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis MacDonnell Ranges race), populations in northern South Australia continued to decline despite baiting for foxes (Vulpes vulpes), which improved their short-term conservation status elsewhere. To investigate whether feral cats (Felis catus) also represent a risk to warru we compared frequencies of prey occurrence in 103 feral cat and 14 fox stomachs shot near warru colonies in northern South Australia during 2001–17 with measures of prey abundance from pitfall trapping and opportunistic searches. We hypothesise that one fresh adult warru kill and the presence of warru remains in four other cats suggests predation by cats on adult and juvenile warru. Small reptiles and invertebrates were the most frequently recorded prey of cats in summer, whereas rodents and small dasyurids were the most frequent prey items in winter. Small mammals, small snakes and pygopodid lizards were over-represented in the diet of cats compared with estimated encounter frequencies, whereas fast-running dragons, knob-tailed geckoes (Nephrurus) and echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) were not recorded from cat stomachs despite being relatively abundant. Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), rodents and fruits were the most frequently recorded items in fox stomachs. This study reinforces that targeted management of feral cat populations should be considered in concert with control of canids in sustainable recovery programs for warru and other cat-vulnerable species.
18
Molsher, Robyn, Alan Newsome, and Chris Dickman. "Feeding ecology and population dynamics of the feral cat (Felis catus) in relation to the availability of prey in central-eastern New South Wales." Wildlife Research 26, no. 5 (1999): 593. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr98058.
Full textAbstract:
The diet of feral cats (Felis catus) was studied at Lake Burrendong, central-eastern New South Wales, from July 1994 to June 1997. Mammals were the major prey in 499 scats that were analysed. Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were the staple prey, while carrion was an important secondary food. Invertebrates, other mammalian prey, vegetation, birds and reptiles were generally minor components of the diet. Few significant seasonal differences in diet were found; however, invertebrates contributed less and possums more to the diet in winter and summer respectively. A significant dietary response was found to changes in rabbit abundance, but not for the other prey types. Cats continued to prey heavily on rabbits even after a 90% decline in rabbit abundance occurred, which coincided with the advent of Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (RCD). House mice (Mus domesticus) increased in importance in the diet ten months post-RCD. Although the abundance of cats was correlated with the abundance of some prey species, other factors may have influenced the observed patterns; these are discussed.
19
Medina, Félix M., Marta López-Darias, Manuel Nogales, and Rafael García. "Food habits of feral cats (Felis silvestris catus L.) in insular semiarid environments (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands)." Wildlife Research 35, no. 2 (2008): 162. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr07108.
Full textAbstract:
In this study, we present the first data on diet and impacts of feral cats on a semiarid island (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands). A total of 614 prey was identified in the 209 scats analysed. Introduced mammals, especially rabbits and mice, were the most consumed vertebrate prey and constituted more than 90% of biomass. Barbary ground squirrels, Algerian hedgehogs, and rats were preyed upon less even though they were abundant on the island. Invertebrates, mainly Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Odonata, were the second most important prey items (in terms of actual numbers) but they contributed only minimally with respect to biomass (<1.1%). The presence of terrestrial molluscs in the diet was interesting because they are a rare prey in an insular context. Birds and reptiles occurred at a low frequency. A total of 677 seeds was counted, mainly belonging to Lycium intricatum (Solanaceae) and two unidentified plant species. Levin’s niche breadth was narrow due to the high consumption of mammals. Morisita’s index showed a similar trophic overlap in diet with respect to the other xeric habitats of the Canarian archipelago. Considering that more than 90% of biomass corresponded to introduced mammals, we conclude that feral cats are not having a large direct impact on the native prey species.
20
Read, John, and Zoë Bowen. "Population dynamics, diet and aspects of the biology of feral cats and foxes in arid South Australia." Wildlife Research 28, no. 2 (2001): 195. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr99065.
Full textAbstract:
Average cat and fox densities at Roxby Downs, in northern South Australia, of 0.8 and 0.6 km–2 respectively, determined through spotlight counts over a 10-year period, probably considerably underestimate true densities. Peak rabbit populations coincided with high fox numbers, which probably suppressed cat densities. Cat abundance peaked when fox numbers were low but rabbit numbers were relatively high. When abundant, rabbits were the principal prey of both cats and foxes. Declines in rabbits numbers coincided with dramatic declines in fox numbers. By contrast, declines in cat populations were less marked, presumably because they could more effectively switch to hunting a wide range of native vertebrates. Sand-dwelling lizards, house mice and common small passerines were the most abundant non-rabbit, vertebrate prey taken by cats. We estimate that annual cat predation accounted for approximately 700 reptiles, 150 birds and 50 native mammals per square kilometre, whereas foxes consumed on average 290 reptiles per square kilometre and few native mammals and birds in the Roxby Downs region each year. Male cats and foxes were heavier than females. Feral cats typically weighed less than 4.0 kg, and cats weighing less than 2.5 kg typically preyed on more native vertebrates than did larger cats. Male and female cats were both typically tabby coloured, but a higher proportion of males were ginger in colour. Peak cat breeding coincided with rabbit and bird breeding and increased reptile activity during spring.
21
Bogdan, Vlastimil, Tomáš Jůnek, and Pavla Jůnková Vymyslická. "Temporal overlaps of feral cats with prey and competitors in primary and human-altered habitats on Bohol Island, Philippines." PeerJ 4 (August 18, 2016): e2288. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2288.
Full textAbstract:
The vertebrate fauna of the Philippines, known for its diversity and high proportion of endemic species, comprises mainly small- to medium-sized forms with a few large exceptions. As with other tropical ecosystems, the major threats to wildlife are habitat loss, hunting and invasive species, of which the feral cat (Felis catus) is considered the most damaging. Our camera-trapping study focused on a terrestrial vertebrate species inventory on Bohol Island and tempo-spatial co-occurrences of feral cats with their prey and competitors. The survey took place in the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape, and we examined the primary rainforest, its border with agricultural land, and rural areas in the vicinity of villages. Altogether, over 2,885 trap days we captured 30 species of vertebrates–10 mammals (includingSus philippensis), 19 birds and one reptile,Varanus cumingi. We trapped 81.8% of expected vertebrates. Based on the number of events, the most frequent native species was the barred rail (Gallirallus torquatus). The highest overlap in diel activity between cats and potential prey was recorded with rodents in rural areas (Δ = 0.62); the lowest was in the same habitat with ground-dwelling birds (Δ = 0.40). Cat activity was not recorded inside the rainforest; in other habitats their diel activity pattern differed. The cats’ activity declined in daylight in the proximity of humans, while it peaked at the transition zone between rainforest and fields. Both rodents and ground-dwelling birds exhibited a shift in activity levels between sites where cats were present or absent. Rodents tend to become active by day in cat-free habitats. No cats’ temporal response to co-occurrences of civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditusandViverra tangalunga) was found but cats in diel activity avoided domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). Our first insight into the ecology of this invasive predator in the Philippines revealed an avoidance of homogeneous primary rainforest and a tendency to forage close to human settlements in heterogeneous habitats. A detailed further investigation of the composition of the cat’s diet, as well as ranging pattern, is still needed.
22
Fleming, Patricia A., Heather M. Crawford, Clare H. Auckland, and Michael C. Calver. "Body Size and Bite Force of Stray and Feral Cats—Are Bigger or Older Cats Taking the Largest or More Difficult-to-Handle Prey?" Animals 10, no. 4 (April 17, 2020): 707. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani10040707.
Full textAbstract:
As carnivorans rely heavily on their head and jaws for prey capture and handling, skull morphology and bite force can therefore reflect their ability to take larger or more difficult-to-handle prey. For 568 feral and stray cats (Felis catus), we recorded their demographics (sex and age), source location (feral or stray) and morphological measures (body mass, body condition); we estimated potential bite force from skull measurements for n = 268 of these cats, and quantified diet composition from stomach contents for n = 358. We compared skull measurements to estimate their bite force and determine how it varied with sex, age, body mass, body condition. Body mass had the strongest influence of bite force. In our sample, males were 36.2% heavier and had 20.0% greater estimated bite force (206.2 ± 44.7 Newtons, n = 168) than females (171.9 ± 29.3 Newtons, n = 120). However, cat age was the strongest predictor of the size of prey that they had taken, with older cats taking larger prey. The predictive power of this relationship was poor though (r2 < 0.038, p < 0.003), because even small cats ate large prey and some of the largest cats ate small prey, such as invertebrates. Cats are opportunistic, generalist carnivores taking a broad range of prey. Their ability to handle larger prey increases as the cats grow, increasing their jaw strength, and improving their hunting skills, but even the smallest cats in our sample had tackled and consumed large and potentially ‘dangerous’ prey that would likely have put up a defence.
23
AFONSO, E., P. THULLIEZ, D. PONTIER, and E. GILOT-FROMONT. "Toxoplasmosis in prey species and consequences for prevalence in feral cats: not all prey species are equal." Parasitology 134, no. 14 (August 3, 2007): 1963–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0031182007003320.
Full textAbstract:
SUMMARYToxoplasma gondiiis largely transmitted to definitive felid hosts through predation. Not all prey species represent identical risks of infection for cats because of differences in prey susceptibility, exposure and/or lifespan. Previously published studies have shown that prevalence in rodent and lagomorph species is positively correlated with body mass. We tested the hypothesis that different prey species have different infection risks by comparing infection dynamics of feral cats at 4 sites in the sub-Antarctic Kerguelen archipelago which differed in prey availability. Cats were trapped from 1994 to 2004 and anti-T. gondiiIgG antibodies were detected using the modified agglutination test (⩾1:40). Overall seroprevalence was 51·09%. Antibody prevalence differed between sites, depending on diet and also on sex, after taking into account the effect of age. Males were more often infected than females and the difference between the sexes tended to be more pronounced in the site where more prey species were available. A difference in predation efficiency between male and female cats may explain this result. Overall, our results suggest that the composition of prey items in cat diet influences the risk ofT. gondiiinfection. Prey compositon should therefore be considered important in any understanding of infection dynamics ofT. gondii.
24
Langham, N. P. E. "The diet of feral cats (Felis catusL.) on Hawke’s Bay farmland, New Zealand." New Zealand Journal of Zoology 17, no. 2 (April 1990): 243–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03014223.1990.10422599.
Full text
25
Moseby, Katherine E., Melissa A. Jensen, and Jack Tatler. "Dietary flexibility and high predator efficacy facilitate coexistence in a novel predator interaction." Journal of Mammalogy 103, no. 1 (November 26, 2021): 124–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyab120.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Predator diet can be influenced by competition and intraguild predation, leading to resource partitioning and/or avoidance. For sympatric, endemic predators, these processes form as predator species coevolve, facilitating coexistence. However, when novel predator interactions occur, significant dietary overlap could create acute levels of competition leading to intraguild predation and population extinction, or accelerated changes in diet and/or spatial and temporal avoidance. We measured diet, intraguild predation, and spatial and temporal overlap in two predator species in a novel predator interaction: the western quoll (Dasyurus geoffroii), a small, native carnivore reintroduced to semi-arid Australia, and the domestic cat (Felis catus), a larger introduced carnivore already resident at the release site. Both species exhibited high dietary overlap and fed on mammals, reptiles, birds, and invertebrates. Cats included quolls in their diet. Quoll diet was broader (including carrion, bats, and plant material) and flexible, changing significantly with age, sex, and season. Introduced rabbit was the most common prey item recorded for both species (frequency of occurrence = 40–50%). However, quolls consumed rabbits in relation to their availability while rabbit consumption in cats was unrelated to availability suggesting a stronger dependence on rabbit prey. Quoll diet did not change over time since release and they did not spatially or temporally avoid cats. However, cats were significantly spatially associated with rabbits while quolls were not, suggesting higher predation efficacy in quolls possibly due to their smaller body size enabling them to catch rabbits inside warrens. Despite high dietary overlap and intraguild predation, the quoll’s broad and flexible diet and high predation efficacy appeared to assist in facilitating coexistence and reducing competition in this novel predator interaction. This dietary flexibility may be harnessed to improve conservation outcomes: reducing introduced rabbits in our study area could naturally reduce feral cat populations while having less impact on native quolls.
26
Széles, Gabriella L., Jenő J. Purger, Tamás Molnár, and József Lanszki. "Comparative analysis of the diet of feral and house cats and wildcat in Europe." Mammal Research 63, no. 1 (October 30, 2017): 43–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13364-017-0341-1.
Full text
27
Doherty, Tim S. "Dietary overlap between sympatric dingoes and feral cats at a semiarid rangeland site in Western Australia." Australian Mammalogy 37, no. 2 (2015): 219. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am14038.
Full textAbstract:
The diet of sympatric dingoes and feral cats was studied in the semiarid southern rangelands of Western Australia. A total of 163 scats were collected over a period of 19 months. Rabbit remains were the most common food item in cat scats, followed by reptiles, small mammals and birds. Macropod remains were the most common food item in dingo scats, followed by rabbits and birds. Dingo scats did not contain small mammal remains, and infrequently contained arthropod and reptile remains. Cat and dingo scats contained remains from 11 and six mammal species, respectively. Of the small mammals, cat scats contained rodent remains more frequently than those of dasyurids. Dietary diversity of cats was higher than for dingoes and dietary overlap between the two species was relatively low.
28
Lapidge, SJ, and S. Henshall. "Diet Of Foxes And Cats, With Evidence Of Predation On Yellow-Footed Rock-Wallabies (Petrogale Xanthopus Celeris) By Foxes In Southwsetern Queensland." Australian Mammalogy 23, no. 1 (2001): 47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am01047.
Full textAbstract:
INTRODUCED red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cats (Felis catus) were shot on Lambert, Acton and Caranna Pastoral Stations in southwestern Queensland (25�20'S; 145�24'E) (Fig. 1) as part of a feral animal control program undertaken before and during the experimental reintroduction of yellowfooted rock-wallabies (Petrogale xanthopus celeris) to Lambert Station. Animals were encountered during regular fieldtrip spotlight surveys or as part of a macropod harvesting program. Sixty-eight V. vulpes (20?, 10?, 38 sex unknown) and 32 F. catus (10?, 12?, 10 sex unknown) were shot between February 1998 and October 2000; stomach content analysis was carried out on 27 V. vulpes (18?, 9?) and 23 F. catus (11?, 12?). Animals not sexed or examined were shot in the absence of the first author.
29
Cooper, John, and André Fourie. "Improved breeding success of Great-winged Petrels Pterodroma macroptera following control of feral cats Felis catus at subantarctic Marion Island." Bird Conservation International 1, no. 2 (June 1991): 171–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0959270900002033.
Full textAbstract:
SummaryA population of feral domestic cats Felis catus has existed at subantarctic Marion Island since 1951. From 1977 to 1990 an ongoing programme has utilized an introduced disease, shooting and gin-trapping in an endeavour to control cat numbers, with the eventual aim of their eradication. Burrowing petrels (Procellariidae) form the majority of the cats' diet. The breeding success of the winter-breeding Great-winged Petrel Pterodroma macroptera has varied between nil and 20.5% in the period from 1979 to 1984, due primarily to cat predation of chicks causing up to 100% mortality. In 1990, by which time cat numbers had been greatly reduced from their 1970s' peak, Great-winged Petrels had a breeding success of 59.6%, with chick mortality being zero. No signs of cat predation were observed. This finding provides good reason to continue the control programme until cats are finally eradicated from Marion Island.
30
CLARKE, DE, and A. CAMERON. "Relationship between diet, dental calculus and periodontal disease in domestic and feral cats in Australia." Australian Veterinary Journal 76, no. 10 (October 1998): 690–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1998.tb12284.x.
Full text
31
Clarke, DE, and A. Cameron. "Relationship between diet, dental calculus and periodontal disease in domestic and feral cats in Australia." Australian Veterinary Journal 76, no. 12 (December 1998): 825. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1998.tb12338.x.
Full text
32
Matias, Rafael, and Paulo Catry. "The diet of feral cats at New Island, Falkland Islands, and impact on breeding seabirds." Polar Biology 31, no. 5 (December 12, 2007): 609–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00300-007-0396-6.
Full text
33
Ozella, L., M. Cecchetti, and D. Pessani. "Diet of feral cats during the Scopoli’s shearwater breeding season on Linosa Island, Mediterranean Sea." Italian Journal of Zoology 83, no. 4 (October 1, 2016): 589–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/11250003.2016.1237562.
Full text
34
Bonnaud, E., F. M. Medina, E. Vidal, M. Nogales, B. Tershy, E. Zavaleta, C. J. Donlan, B. Keitt, M. Le Corre, and S. V. Horwath. "The diet of feral cats on islands: a review and a call for more studies." Biological Invasions 13, no. 3 (September 7, 2010): 581–603. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10530-010-9851-3.
Full text
35
Catling, P. C. "Similarities and contrasts in the diets of foxes, Vulpes vulpes, and cats, Felis catus, relative to fluctuating prey populations and drought." Wildlife Research 15, no. 3 (1988): 307. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9880307.
Full textAbstract:
The diets of the fox, Vulpes vulpes, and feral cat, Felis catus, were studied at Yathong Nature Reserve in semi-arid western New South Wales. The overall occurrence of rabbit was 45.1% in stomachs of foxes and 54.0% in cats, representing 51.3 and 82.6% respectively of the weight of stomach contents. Both predators exhibited a functional response to rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, (their staple prey) during the rabbit breeding season. Predation on rabbits was greatest on an increasing prey population during good pasture conditions and a decreasing population during drought. After the rabbit breeding season, diet changed to other prey and resulted in an annual prey cycle which was similar for foxes and cats. Both predators successfully co-exist in the semi-arid environment by primarily utilising different age groups of the same staple prey and to some extent different supplementary prey. Foxes mainly ate adult rabbits and cats young rabbits. During the drought foxes preyed heavily on adult rabbits; cats ate some rabbits but relied heavily on other food sources. The supplementary prey of foxes were invertebrates, birds, reptiles and carrion; small mammals and fruits opportunely eaten. Invertebrates, birds, reptiles and small mammals were supplementary prey for cats with carrion opportunely eaten.
36
FROMONT, E., L. MORVILLIERS, M. ARTOIS, and D. PONTIER. "Parasite richness and abundance in insular and mainland feral cats: insularity or density?" Parasitology 123, no. 2 (July 31, 2001): 143–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0031182001008277.
Full textAbstract:
Hosts living on islands carry few parasite species, and the prevalence and intensity of directly transmitted parasites are often higher in insular than in mainland populations. However, it is unclear whether density or other features of insular populations can be responsible for the pattern observed. We compared the parasite richness, prevalence and intensity of parasites between 2 feral populations of cats living either at low density on an island (Kerguelen) or at high density on the mainland (Lyon). Parasite richness was higher in Lyon than in Kerguelen, where only Toxocara cati was found. T. cati egg prevalence was higher in Kerguelen (71·1%) than in Lyon (58·0%). Because cat density cannot explain this pattern, we propose that the low number of parasite species, the diet and/or immunity of cats act to increase prevalence in Kerguelen. Moreover, prevalence, intensity and variance-to-mean ratio increased with age and body mass in Kerguelen whereas, in Lyon, prevalence decreased with age and body mass. We hypothesize that the pattern of exposure differs between populations, and that density-dependent parasite mortality is lower in Kerguelen than in Lyon. We discuss the consequences concerning the influence of parasites on insular host populations.
37
Kirkwood, R., P. Dann, and M. Belvedere. "A comparison of the diets of feral cats Felis catus and red foxes Vulpes vulpes on Phillip Island, Victoria." Australian Mammalogy 27, no. 1 (2005): 89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am05089.
Full textAbstract:
THE introduction of feral cats (Felis catus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) to Australia in the 1800s had a profound impact on resident ecosystems. Both predators colonised successfully and now are distributed across most of mainland Australia (Saunders et al. 1995; Abbott 2002). They consume mainly ground-dwelling mammals (Coman 1973; Croft and Hone 1978; Jones and Coman 1981; Lapidge and Henshall 2002; Hutchings 2003), but where these are scarce, birds, reptiles, insects and human refuse may become important dietary components (e.g., Bubela et al. 1998; Paltridge 2002). Although they prey on similar species, when compared at the same location differences in diet between the predators are evident (Triggs et al. 1984; Catling 1988; Risbey et al. 1999).
38
Pontier, Dominique, Ludovic Say, François Debias, Joël Bried, Jean Thioulouse, Thierry Micol, and Eugenia Natoli. "The diet of feral cats (Felis catus L.) at five sites on the Grande Terre, Kerguelen archipelago." Polar Biology 25, no. 11 (November 2002): 833–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00300-002-0424-5.
Full text
39
Molsher, Robyn, Alan E. Newsome, Thomas M. Newsome, and Christopher R. Dickman. "Mesopredator Management: Effects of Red Fox Control on the Abundance, Diet and Use of Space by Feral Cats." PLOS ONE 12, no. 1 (January 9, 2017): e0168460. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0168460.
Full text
40
McDonald, Brandon W., Troi Perkins, Robert R. Dunn, Jennifer McDonald, Holly Cole, Robert S. Feranec, and Roland Kays. "High variability within pet foods prevents the identification of native species in pet cats’ diets using isotopic evaluation." PeerJ 8 (January 22, 2020): e8337. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.8337.
Full textAbstract:
Domestic cats preying on wildlife is a frequent conservation concern but typical approaches for assessing impacts rely on owner reports of prey returned home, which can be biased by inaccurate reporting or by cats consuming prey instead of bringing it home. Isotopes offer an alternative way to quantify broad differences in animal diets. By obtaining samples of pet food from cat owners we predicted that we would have high power to identify cats feeding on wild birds or mammals, given that pet food is thought to have higher C isotope values, due to the pervasive use of corn and/or corn by-products as food ingredients, than native prey. We worked with citizen scientists to quantify the isotopes of 202 cat hair samples and 239 pet food samples from the US and UK. We also characterized the isotopes of 11 likely native prey species from the southeastern US and used mixing models to assess the diet of 47 cats from the same region. Variation in C and N isotope values for cat food was very high, even within the same brand/flavor, suggesting that pet food manufacturers use a wide range of ingredients, and that these may change over time. Cat food and cat hair from the UK had lower C values than the US, presumably reflecting differences in the amount of corn used in the food chains of the two countries. This high variation in pet food reduced our ability to classify cats as hunters of native prey, such that only 43% of the animals could be confidently assigned. If feral or free ranging cats were considered, this uncertainty would be even higher as pet food types would be unknown. Our results question the general assumption that anthropogenic foods always have high C isotope values, because of the high variability we documented within one product type (cat food) and between countries (US vs. UK), and emphasize the need to test a variety of standards before making conclusions from isotope ecology studies.
41
May, S. A., and T. W. Norton. "Influence of fragmentation and disturbance on the potential impact of feral predators on native fauna in Australian forest ecosystems." Wildlife Research 23, no. 4 (1996): 387. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9960387.
Full textAbstract:
The current knowledge is reviewed of the diet and predator–prey relationships of the feral cat (Felis catus), fox (Vulpes vulpes) and dingo (Canis familiaris dingo) (including wild dogs). The effect of forest fragmentation by roads on the use of native forest ecosystems by these species and the significance of this for native fauna is considered. The cat, fox and dingo are significant predators in Australia that interact with native fauna in various ways, including predation, competition for resources, and transmission of disease. On the basis of current knowledge, it is clear that the nature and impact of predation by the cat, fox and dingo on native fauna are primarily determined by prey availability, although there are exceptions to this rule. Generally, dingoes prey upon large to medium-sized prey species (e.g. wallabies, common wombats, and possums), foxes prey upon medium-sized to small prey (e.g. possums and rats) and consume a significant component of scavenged material and vegetation, while cats also prey upon medium-sized to small prey, but may have a greater proportion of reptiles and birds in their diet. The cat is generally considered to be an opportunistic predator and to have contributed to the demise of a number of mammals. The fox is considered more of a threat to small native mammals and it has been asserted that all species of mammals that fall within the critical weight range (CWR) of 120–5000 g are at risk of local extinction when the fox is present. The severity of the impact of the dingo upon the native fauna is considered to be minimal, at least in comparison with the impact that the cat and fox can have on populations. The dingo is not considered a threat to CWR mammals in undisturbed environments. The fox, feral cat and dingo are all considered to have the ability to selectivity prey upon species and, to some extent, individual sexes and age-classes of a number of larger prey species. Although many of Australia's forested areas are relatively heavily fragmented by roads, there are no published studies specifically investigating the use of roads by feral predators. Information on the distribution and abundance of foxes, cats and dingoes in these ecosystems, their ecology and their impact on native fauna is particularly limited. Further, the extent to which roads influence the distribution and abundance of these species and the consequences of these for native fauna are poorly known. One of the most important research needs is to establish the relative impact that exotic predators may have on native fauna under varying degrees of road construction within native forests. For example, are areas with and without roads in forests used differently by exotic predators and what is the significance of this in terms of the potential impact on fauna? The extent to which feral predators forage away from roads needs further investigation, as does the rates of predation within edges, because this may have several consequences for the design, location and size of retained strips and wildlife corridors as well as restoration programmes. Further observations on regional differences influencing predator–prey interactions are required, as is research on the potential impacts on native fauna resulting from prey selection in forests subjected to various degrees of fragmentation and modification.
42
Schüttler, Elke, Lorena Saavedra-Aracena, and Jaime E. Jiménez. "Domestic carnivore interactions with wildlife in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Chile: husbandry and perceptions of impact from a community perspective." PeerJ 6 (January 4, 2018): e4124. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4124.
Full textAbstract:
BackgroundHundreds of millions of domestic carnivores worldwide have diverse positive affiliations with humans, but can provoke serious socio-ecological impacts when free-roaming. Unconfined dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) interact with wildlife as predators, competitors, and disease-transmitters; their access to wildlife depends on husbandry, perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of pet owners and non-owners.MethodsTo better understand husbandry and perceptions of impacts by unconfined, domestic carnivores, we administered questionnaires (n = 244) to pet owners and non-owners living in one of the last wilderness areas of the world, the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, located in southern Chile. We used descriptive statistics to provide demographic pet and husbandry information, quantify free-roaming dogs and cats, map their sightings in nature, and report experiences and perceptions of the impact of free-roaming dogs and cats on wildlife. We corroborated our results with an analysis of prey remains in dog feces (n = 53). With generalized linear models, we examined which factors (i.e., food provisioning, reproductive state, rural/village households, sex, and size) predicted that owned dogs and cats bring wildlife prey home.ResultsThirty-one percent of village dogs (n = 121) and 60% of dogs in rural areas (n = 47) roamed freely day and/or night. Free-roaming dog packs were frequently observed (64% of participants) in the wild, including a feral dog population on Navarino Island. Dogs (31 of 168) brought home invasive muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) and avian prey, and over half of all cats (27 of 51) brought home mainly avian prey. Birds were also the most harassed wildlife category, affected by one third of all dogs and cats. Nevertheless, dog-wildlife conflicts were hardly recognized (<9% of observed conflicts and suspected problems), and only 34% of the participants thought that cats might impact birds. Diet analysis revealed that dogs consumed livestock (64% of 59 prey occurrences), beavers (Castor canadensis, 14%), and birds (10%). The probability that dogs brought prey to owners’ homes was higher in rural locations and with larger dogs. There was also evidence that cats from rural households and with an inadequate food supply brought more prey home than village cats.DiscussionAlthough muskrat, beavers, and birds were brought home, harassed, or found in dog feces, free-roaming dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats are perceived predominantly in an anthropogenic context (i.e., as pets) and not as carnivores interacting with wildlife. Therefore, technical and legal measures should be applied to encourage neutering, increase confinement, particularly in rural areas, and stimulate social change via environmental education that draws attention to the possibility and consequences of unconfined pet interaction with wildlife in the southernmost protected forest ecoregion of the globe.
43
West, R. S., L. Tilley, and K. E. Moseby. "A trial reintroduction of the western quoll to a fenced conservation reserve: implications of returning native predators." Australian Mammalogy 42, no. 3 (2020): 257. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am19041.
Full textAbstract:
While fenced reserves provide sanctuary for many threatened prey species, few projects have reintroduced native threatened predators, despite their potential role in regulating prey, addressing prey naivety, trophic regulation, and predator conservation. We aimed to investigate a set of issues unique to predator reintroduction into fenced reserves: how to contain predators that are naturally wide roaming, how to estimate carrying capacity, and will native predators impact resident threatened species? We conducted a trial reintroduction of four western quolls (Dasyurus geoffroii) (two males, two females) into a fenced reserve where four threatened prey species had been reintroduced and feral cats and foxes excluded. We monitored quoll survival, diet, movement and reproduction. Nocturnal foraging ranges measured over a fortnight were 3–17km2, favouring burrows in dune habitat for shelter. Dietary analysis indicated a preference for reintroduced bettongs and western barred bandicoots, and resident hopping mice. Successful breeding was recorded but the two male quolls eventually escaped the reserve by climbing over the external fence and did not return. Results suggest that quoll reintroductions to fenced reserves will require fence designs that enable quolls to climb back into the reserve, threat management outside the reserve, and close monitoring of prey species.
44
Lee, Anne H., Sungho Do, Amy Schauwecker, and Kelly S. Swanson. "PSVI-27 Novel dietary blends improve stool quality and alter fecal microbiota, metabolites, and immune markers of healthy adult cats." Journal of Animal Science 98, Supplement_4 (November 3, 2020): 316–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa278.564.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Functional ingredients may support gastrointestinal and immune health, but little is known in cats. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of diets containing a blend of fibers, prebiotics, probiotics, and/or immune mediators on stool quality and fecal microbiota, metabolites and immune markers of cats. Twelve healthy adult domestic shorthair cats (age = 9.6±4.0 yr; BW = 3.9±1.0 kg) were used in a replicated 3x3 Latin square design to test diets containing 1) no prebiotics or probiotics (Control), 2) a fiber-prebiotic-probiotic blend-containing formula (Test1), and 3) a fiber-prebiotic-probiotic blend + immuno-modulating ingredient-containing formula (Test2). In each 28-d period, 22d of diet adaptation was followed by fecal and blood sample collection. All procedures were approved by the Kennelwood, Inc. IACUC prior to experimentation. All data were analyzed using Mixed model procedures of SAS 9.4, with significance set at P< 0.05. Fecal pH and SCFA, phenol + indole, and ammonia concentrations were lower in cats fed Control vs. Test1 or Test2 diets. Fecal score was higher (looser stools) and fecal DM was lower in cats fed Control vs. Test2 diet. Fecal butyrate was lowest in cats fed Test2 and highest in cats fed Control. Fecal total BCFA and 7-methylindole were lower in cats fed Control vs. Test1 diet. Fecal IgA concentration was lower in cats fed Test2 vs. Control or Test1 diets. Fecal bacterial alpha-diversity measures of species richness were higher in cats fed Test1 or Test2 vs. Control diet. Fecal Actinobacteria and Megasphaera were higher, and Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Prevotella were lower, in cats fed Control vs. Test1 or Test2 diets. Our results suggest that dietary fibers, prebiotics, and probiotics affect fecal microbiota, metabolites, and immune markers that may impact gastrointestinal health of cats.
45
Lee, Anne H., Eiji Iwazaki, Fei He, and Kelly S. Swanson. "PSIII-41 Fecal characteristics and metabolite concentrations of cats fed a high-protein, high-fiber diet after spay surgery." Journal of Animal Science 97, Supplement_3 (December 2019): 276. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz258.561.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Dietary fiber and protein concentrations can impact large intestinal fermentation and metabolite concentrations, consequently affecting gastrointestinal health and fecal characteristics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary intervention on fecal characteristics and metabolite concentrations of cats after spay surgery. Twenty healthy female cats (mean age=9.5±0.1 months) were used in a 29-wk longitudinal study. After a 5-wk baseline phase being fed a moderate-protein, moderate-fiber (MPMF) diet, sixteen cats were spayed and randomly allotted to the MPMF diet (n = 8) or a high-protein, high-fiber (HPHF) diet (n = 8) and fed for 24wk. Remaining cats (n = 4) were sham-operated and fed the MPMF diet. Cats were fed to maintain BW the first 12wk, then fed up to twice that amount for another 12wk to measure changes in fecal characteristics and metabolite concentrations when allowed to overeat. Fresh fecal samples were collected before surgery (wk0) and 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24wk after surgery for fecal score, pH and metabolite measurements. Fecal pH was higher (P < 0.01) in HPHF cats than MPMF and sham cats. Sham cats generally had greater (P < 0.05) fecal total SCFA, acetate, butyrate, total BCFA and phenol concentrations than HPHF cats. HPHF cats also had lower (P < 0.01) fecal valerate, but higher (P < 0.01) fecal indole concentrations than MPMF and sham cats. Significant time effects (P < 0.01) were observed for fecal score, pH, acetate, butyrate, propionate, total SCFA, isobutyrate, isovalerate, valerate, total BCFA, 4-ethylphenol, indole, total indole and phenols, and ammonia. Some treatment*time effects (P < 0.05) were observed for fecal pH, isovalerate, ammonia, butyrate, valerate, BCFA, and indole. Our results suggest that dietary protein and fiber concentrations affect the fecal characteristics and metabolite profiles of cats. Future studies should evaluate the microbiota affected to determine which groups are responsible and what these changes mean to feline health.
46
Ganz, Holly H., Guillaume Jospin, Connie A. Rojas, Alex L. Martin, Katherine Dahlhausen, Dawn D. Kingsbury, Carlton X. Osborne, et al. "The Kitty Microbiome Project: Defining the Healthy Fecal “Core Microbiome” in Pet Domestic Cats." Veterinary Sciences 9, no. 11 (November 16, 2022): 635. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9110635.
Full textAbstract:
Here, we present a taxonomically defined fecal microbiome dataset for healthy domestic cats (Felis catus) fed a range of commercial diets. We used this healthy reference dataset to explore how age, diet, and living environment correlate with fecal microbiome composition. Thirty core bacterial genera were identified. Prevotella, Bacteroides, Collinsella, Blautia, and Megasphaera were the most abundant, and Bacteroides, Blautia, Lachnoclostridium, Sutterella, and Ruminococcus gnavus were the most prevalent. While community composition remained relatively stable across different age classes, the number of core taxa present decreased significantly with age. Fecal microbiome composition varied with host diet type. Cats fed kibble had a slightly, but significantly greater number of core taxa compared to cats not fed any kibble. The core microbiomes of cats fed some raw food contained taxa not as highly prevalent or abundant as cats fed diets that included kibble. Living environment also had a large effect on fecal microbiome composition. Cats living in homes differed significantly from those in shelters and had a greater portion of their microbiomes represented by core taxa. Collectively our work reinforces the findings that age, diet, and living environment are important factors to consider when defining a core microbiome in a population.
47
Harper, Grant A. "Numerical and functional response of feral cats (Felis catus) to variations in abundance of primary prey on Stewart Island (Rakiura), New Zealand." Wildlife Research 32, no. 7 (2005): 597. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr04057.
Full textAbstract:
Few studies of populations of feral cats have simultaneously monitored the seasonal abundance of primary prey and the possible ‘prey-switch’ to alternative prey when primary prey abundance declines. On Stewart Island, when the abundance of feral cats’ primary prey, rats (Rattus spp.), was very low, significantly more cats died or left the study area than when rats were abundant. Cats preferentially preyed on rats regardless of rat abundance. Birds were the main alternative prey but cats did not prey-switch to birds when rat abundance was low, possibly owing to the difficulty of capture, and small mass, of birds compared with rats. On Stewart Island numbers of feral cats are restricted by seasonal depressions in abundance of their primary prey, coupled with limited alternative prey biomass.
48
Huizenga, Kaylie, Sara Tondini, and Joshua C. McCann. "PSVI-15 Effect of direct-fed microbials on fecal characteristics during an acidosis induction." Journal of Animal Science 98, Supplement_3 (November 2, 2020): 217–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa054.378.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract The objective was to investigate the effects of two direct-fed microbial dosing strategies on fecal characteristics of beef cattle during an acidosis challenge. Ruminal acidosis is a metabolic disorder in beef cattle that may contribute to hindgut acidosis. Eighteen ruminally cannulated steers (BW = 328 ± 20 kg) were used in a completely randomized design with 6 steers in each period. Two steers in each period were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: blank media (NCON), a single strain of Megasphaera elsdenii at 108 CFU (DFM1), and a combination of Megasphaera elsdenii and proprietary microbial strains at 1010 CFU per dose (DFM2). On d 1, DFM1 was dosed once and DFM2 and NCON were dosed daily at 0700 on d 1-15. A basal diet (45% forage) was fed ad libitum on d 1-7. To induce acidosis, steers were fasted for 24 h on d 8 and were fed the challenge diet (10% forage) ad libitum on d 9-15. Fecal pH was measured throughout the challenge and total feces was collected on d 11-14 to determine washed fecal particle size and observe mucin casts. Fecal pH and mucin cast score was not affected (P ≥ 0.29) by treatment. Fecal particle size in DFM1-treated steers was greater (P = 0.01) than NCON and DFM2. Fecal particle size tended (P = 0.06) to increase over time. Fecal particle size was not correlated (P ≥ 0.56) to ruminal or fecal pH. Fecal mucin cast score was positively correlated to dry matter intake (P < 0.01) and mean ruminal pH (P = 0.06). Mucin cast score may help in monitoring ongoing bouts of ruminal acidosis. Overall, results indicate direct-fed microbial treatment affected fecal particle size but not fecal pH and mucin cast score during an acidosis challenge.
49
Stokeld, Danielle, Alaric Fisher, Tim Gentles, Brydie Hill, Barbara Triggs, John C. Z. Woinarski, and Graeme R. Gillespie. "What do predator diets tell us about mammal declines in Kakadu National Park?" Wildlife Research 45, no. 1 (2018): 92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr17101.
Full textAbstract:
Context Small- and medium-sized native mammals have suffered severe declines in much of northern Australia, including within protected areas such as Kakadu National Park. Several factors have been implicated in these declines but predation, particularly by feral cats (Felis catus), has been identified as potentially the most direct cause of decline for many species. Aims We evaluated how prey frequency changed in cat and dingo scats in Kakadu from the early 1980s to 2013–15, with this period spanning a severe decline in the small- and medium-sized mammal fauna. Methods Chi-square test of independence and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare prey frequencies between dingoes and cats, and among years to assess significance of temporal change. Key results Small-sized native mammals were the prey item occurring at the highest frequency in scats for both dingoes and cats in the 1980s. Prey content in dingo and cat scats differed in the 2010s with macropods predominating in the scats of dingoes, and medium-sized native mammals predominating in cat scats. The frequency of occurrence of small-sized native mammals declined in both dingo and cat scats between the 1980s and 2010 sampling periods, while the frequency of occurrence of medium-sized native mammals remained constant in dingo scats and increased in cat scats. Conclusions Small mammals were a major component of the diets of both dingoes and cats in Kakadu in the 1980s, when small mammals were much more abundant. Despite marked reduction from the 1980s to the 2010s in the capture rates of both small- and medium-sized native mammals, some species continue to persist in the diets of cats and dingoes at disproportionally high frequencies. Both predators continue to exert predatory pressure on mammal populations that have already experienced substantial declines. Implications Although predation by feral cats is a major threat to small- and medium-sized native mammals, dingoes may also play an important role in limiting their recovery. Disturbance from fire and grazing by introduced herbivores has been shown to augment predatory impacts of feral cats on native mammals. Predation more generally, not just by feral cats, may be exacerbated by these disturbance processes. Management programs that solely focus on mitigating the impact of feral cats to benefit threatened species may be inadequate in landscapes with other significant disturbance regimes and populations of predators.
50
James, Carrie, Sandra L. Rodriguez-Zas, and Maria R. C. de Godoy. "PSXI-32 Effects of algae DHA on fatty acid profile of plasma red blood cell membrane and fecal microbiota of adult cats." Journal of Animal Science 98, Supplement_4 (November 3, 2020): 319. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa278.569.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract There is evidence that algae can be a sustainable alternative of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (w-3 PUFA; DHA and EPA) in the diets of felines, but more information is needed to determine bioavailability of algal w-3 PUFAs in felines. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of algae DHA on plasma and red blood cell (RBC) membrane fatty acid profiles and fecal microbiota of adult cats. A complete randomized design was utilized with thirty female and male adult cats (mean age: 1.8 ± 0.03 yr, mean BW: 4.5 ± 0.8 kg) which were fed an assigned diet for 90 d. Three diets were formulated with poultry fat alone or inclusion of 2% fish oil or 2% algae DHA meal. Blood samples were collected after fasting on 0, 30, 60 and 90 d to be analyzed for plasma and red blood cell fatty acid profiles. A fresh fecal sample was collected within 15 min of defecation from each cat to be analyzed for fecal microbiota. Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing from V4 region was completed using MiSeq and analyzed using QIIME 2. Plasma and RBC fatty acid concentrations at baseline were similar among all cats and treatment groups. However, dietary treatment had a significant effect on the concentrations of several fatty acids in plasma and RBC over time. Plasma and RBC concentrations of DHA were greater (P < 0.05) for cats fed the algal DHA diet compared to the control and fish oil diets. Conversely, plasma and RBC concentrations of EPA did not differ among treatments when analyzed as a change from baseline. Beta- and alpha-diversity did not differ among treatments, indicating that 2% fish oil or algal-DHA meal does alter fecal microbiota of cats in contrast with cats fed a poultry fat-based diet.