Efficacy of cage traps for capture of feral cats on French Island.

Описание: The State Government of Victoria (Australia) declared 'feral cats' to be pests on specified Crown Land in July 2018 - see link at
https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/in...

This video was prepared in August 2019 by Michael Johnston, Julie Trezise and Vaughn Thompson. At this time, the only control tools available to manage feral cat populations in Victoria is the use of cage traps and shooting. Other regulations encourage domestic cat owners to practice principles of Responsible Pet Ownership (sterilisation, identification, confinement, etc) - see further information at;
http://www.safecat.org.au/

A significant effort has been undertaken on French Island to remove feral cats to protect native wildlife. This program is conducted over 16 weeks and uses up to 100 traps per night. Initiated in 2010, this program has now resulted in the removal of approximately 1100 feral cats. The annual catch rate suggests that sufficient feral cats remain after each year's program to perpetuate the population. Importantly, owned pet cats on the island are sterilised and are therefore not contributing to the feral population.

An array of trail cameras was installed across the island in August 2018. This has provided data about the activity of feral cats remaining on the island. Cats are now assumed to be well accustomed to the cameras as they have been operating consistently since commissioning.

We suspected that feral cats were frequently encountering but rarely entering the cage traps. The trail cameras provided an opportunity to observe cat behaviour at cage traps. The results, shown in this video, are a compelling demonstration of the limitations of cage traps at this site.

The Australian Government has nominated French Island as one of five islands to work towards a target of becoming feral-cat free 'Safe Havens' to protect wildlife species - see link https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiv...

The techniques used to successfully eradicate feral cat populations on islands have been demonstrated both in Australia and internationally - further information at http://diise.islandconservation.org/

Eradication of feral cats is considered to be technically achievable on French Island. This outcome provides the optimal benefit to wildlife species and would bring an end to the ongoing trapping and killing of feral cats. However, it is evident that additional capture tools will be required if the population is to be successfully eradicated.