Assessing the availability of aerially delivered baits to feral cats through rainforest canopy using unmanned aircraft

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 276-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Johnston ◽  
Guy McCaldin ◽  
Andrew Rieker
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Christmas Island ◽  
Island Biodiversity ◽  
Conservation Plan ◽  
Responsible Ownership ◽  
Broad Scale

At least eight threatened wildlife species are at direct risk from predation by cats (Felis catus) on Christmas Island (Director of National Parks. 2014. Christmas Island biodiversity conservation plan. Canberra. Australia: Department of the Environment.). A range of strategies are now being used to manage cats across the island, including responsible ownership methods for domestic cats and lethal control tools to remove feral cats outside the township area. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were used to drop non-toxic baits through the rainforest canopy to assess whether aerial baiting could be undertaken successfully on the island. Ground crews located 88% of baits, indicating that sufficient baits would be accessible to feral cats if broad-scale aerial baiting was to be undertaken in the future.

scholarly journals A Model of the Sustainable Management of the Natural Environment in National Parks—A Case Study of National Parks in Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Oleśniewicz ◽  
Sławomir Pytel ◽  
Julita Markiewicz-Patkowska ◽  
Adam R. Szromek ◽  
Soňa Jandová
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Environmental Threats ◽  
Sustainable Tourism Development ◽  
Development Plans ◽  
Conservation Plan ◽  
Conservation Plans ◽  
Management Staff ◽  
State Of The Environment

This paper aimed to present a model of natural environment management in national parks in Poland in the context of increased tourist traffic. The research area comprised Polish national parks as they are characterized by barely altered nature, little human impact, and undisturbed natural phenomena. The methods involved the observational method, literature analysis and criticism, and the in-depth interview method employed in November 2019. The respondents included national park management staff. The questions were prepared in accordance with the Berlin Declaration principles of sustainable tourism development and were extended with the authors’ own items. The questionnaire contained 17 questions, grouped in four parts: science and documentation; tourism; cooperation and education; environmental threats. The results indicate that in order for actions to prove efficient in a park, a conservation plan should be carefully developed. Its correctness requires monitoring the state of the environment, tourist traffic size and trends, and tourists’ impact on the environment. An important condition for effective tourism management in parks is to increase the competences of the administering bodies and knowledge regarding individuals’ responsibilities. Boards should be able to evaluate and modify conservation plans, spatial development plans, municipality development strategies, and projects for investments within the parks.

Leptospira Species in Feral Cats and Black Rats from Western Australia and Christmas Island

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 319-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narelle A. Dybing ◽  
Caroline Jacobson ◽  
Peter Irwin ◽  
David Algar ◽  
Peter J. Adams
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Christmas Island ◽  
Leptospira Species ◽  
Black Rats

The use of poison baits to control feral cats and red foxes in arid South Australia I. Aerial baiting trials

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 338 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. E. Moseby ◽  
B. M. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Arid Zone ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Delivery Times ◽  
Poison Baiting ◽  
Dry Conditions

Context Feral cats and foxes pose a significant threat to native wildlife in the Australian arid zone and their broadscale control is required for the protection of threatened species. Aims The aim of this research was to trial aerial poison baiting as a means of controlling feral cats and foxes in northern South Australia. Methods Eradicat baits or dried meat baits containing 1080 poison were distributed by air over areas of 650 to 1800 km2 in trials from 2002 to 2006. Different baiting density, frequency, bait type and area were trialled to determine the optimum baiting strategy. Baiting success was determined through mortality of radio-collared animals and differences in the track activity of cats and foxes in baited and unbaited areas. Key results Quarterly aerial baiting at a density of 10 baits per square km successfully controlled foxes over a 12-month period, while annual baiting led to reinvasion within four months. Despite the majority of radio-collared cats dying after baiting, a significant decline in cat activity was only recorded during one of the eight baiting events. This event coincided with extremely dry conditions and low rabbit abundance. Rabbit activity increased significantly in baited areas over the study period in comparison with control areas. Conclusions Despite trialling different baiting density, frequency and area over a five-year period, a successful long-term baiting strategy for feral cats could not be developed using Eradicat baits or dried meat baits. Implications Broadscale control of feral cats in the arid zone remains a significant challenge and may require a combination of control methods with flexible delivery times dependent on local conditions. However, it is doubtful that current methods, even used in combination, will enable cat numbers to be reduced to levels where successful reintroductions of many threatened wildlife species can occur.

scholarly journals Diversity, abundance, activity period, and factors affecting the appearance of wildlife around the corridors between Khao Yai- Thap Lan National Parks, Thailand by camera trapping

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronglarp - Sukmasuang ◽  
Khwanrutai Charaspet ◽  
TARAPORN Panganta ◽  
MANANYA Pla-ard ◽  
NORASET KHIOESREE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Black Bear ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Activity Period ◽  
Wildlife Corridors ◽  
Abundance Index ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Red Jungle Fowl

Abstract. Sukmasuang R, Charaspet K, Panganta T, Pla-ard M, Khioesree N, Thongbanthum J. 2020. Diversity, abundance, activity period, and factors affecting the appearance of wildlife around the corridors between Khao Yai-Thap Lan National Parks, Thailand by camera trapping. Biodiversitas 21: xxxx. The study on diversity, abundance, activity period, and factors affecting the appearance of wildlife around the wildlife corridors was investigated using camera trap method from September 2017 to November 2018. The corridors located at the royal highway in Ban Bu Phram Subdistrict, Na Di District, Prachinburi Province, Thailand. Based on 21 camera locations, 3,172 trap nights and 6,707 captured pictures totally resulted that a total of 37 species represented by 14 orders and 26 families consisting of 13 species of herbivores, 10 species of carnivores, 10 species of aves and 4 species of reptiles were photographically recorded in the area. Among the wildlife species, 4 species were listed as endangered according to IUCN Red List including Malayan pangolin, large-spotted civet, dhole, Asian forest tortoise, 5 species were listed as vulnerable, there were Sumatran serow, gaur, sambar deer, northern pig-tailed macaque, Asian black bear, and 21 species were listed as least concerned, such as lesser oriental chevrotain, Himalayan porcupine, Asian palm civet, large Indian civet, small Indian civet, hog badger, small Asian mongoose, golden jackal, red jungle fowl, Siamese fireback, coral-billed ground cuckoo and so on. Based on photographic rate of each species, the herbivorous wildlife species represented the relative abundance index of 15.04. The carnivorous wildlife species which had the relative abundance index of 4.70, while the RAI of the aves and reptiles were 1.91 and 0.12. The activity period found that the majority were found at night. This study showed that wildlife corridors have a high influence on the appearance of wildlife, demonstrating the potential of the corridors be used by wildlife for travelling. However, the wildlife corridors should be designed to be suitable for the particular types of animals, especially by increasing the construction of underpasses for mammal at locations with the highest and the number of crossings and also must reduce noise from vehicles, especially at night.

scholarly journals Open garbage dumps near protected areas in Uttarakhand: an emerging threat to Asian Elephants in the Shivalik Elephant Reserve

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 16571-16575
Author(s):  
Kanchan Puri ◽  
Ritesh Joshi ◽  
Vaibhav Singh
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Solid Waste Management ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Natural Food ◽  
Wildlife Protection ◽  
Asian Elephants ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Elephant Population ◽  
Proper Disposal

Waste dumping sites near protected areas are a growing issue, which may affect the activities and behaviour of wildlife, more than what we notice.  Here, we present two of our case studies, where Asian Elephants were found feeding at garbage dumps in Haridwar and Ramnagar forest divisions in the Shivalik Elephant Reserve in Uttarakhand State.  Since garbage dumps may spread bacterial infection and induce adverse changes in the health conditions of the elephant population, we draw the attention of planners to develop a plan of action for proper disposal of the garbage through these preliminary observations, without affecting protected areas and wildlife species, including elephants.  Moreover, collection of data on the presence of garbage dumps across the reserve and a study on the behavioural responses of scavenging and non-scavenging animals visiting the dumps would give us a better understanding of the level of impact of garbage dumps for disposal planning. It is to emphasize that garbage does not constitute a part of natural food for elephants. There are restrictions and guidelines in the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and Guidelines for Declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.   

Acute Toxicity of Sodium Monofluoroacetate (1080) Baits to Feral Cats.

1991 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 445 ◽  
Author(s):  
CT Eason ◽  
CM Frampton
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Acute Toxicity ◽  
Lethal Dose ◽  
Predator Control ◽  
Confidence Limits ◽  
Feral Cat ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Higher Doses

Feral cat populations have a devastating effect on many native wildlife species. As part of a programme to evaluate improved predator control, feral cats were observed after they had ingested a polymer bait loaded with sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) 0.4-1.6 mg/g bait, equivalent to doses of 0.1-1.3 mg/kg body weight. Deaths occurred with 0.6 mg/g bait and all higher doses. With the highest dose all animals died within 24 h. An approximate oral LD50 of 0.28 mg/kg (0.07-0.49) and LD90 of 0.35 mg/kg (0.14-0.56) were calculated (with 95% confidence limits). Main symptoms were disorientation and lethargy, followed by death. A dose of 2 mg/g bait is recommended as a humane and lethal dose of 1080 for feral cats.

A bait-suspension device for the control of feral cats

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 471 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Algar ◽  
R. I. Brazell
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Potential Application ◽  
Target Specificity ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Feral Cat ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Target Animal ◽  
Christmas Island ◽  
Delivery Mechanism ◽  
Age And Sex

The use of poison baits is an effective method for controlling feral cats. However, take of baits by non-target animals may place those animals at risk of poisoning and also reduces the availability of baits to the target animal, feral cats. Therefore, techniques that reduce non-target take of baits are desirable. Earlier trials have suggested that suspending baits might prevent most non-target animals from removing the baits while maintaining their attractiveness and availability to feral cats. This paper assesses the efficacy of a bait-suspension device to provide a relatively simple means of controlling feral cats (across age and sex classes). In addition, it confirms the high target specificity of the bait-delivery mechanism on Australia’s Christmas Island, where non-target species would have posed a problem with baits laid on the ground. The technique may have potential application on other islands where similar non-target species are threatened by baiting programs or at specific sites on the mainland where aerial or on-track deployment of feral cat baits may pose an unacceptable risk to non-target species.

scholarly journals Gastrointestinal parasites of feral cats from Christmas Island

2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 60-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
PJ Adams ◽  
AD Elliot ◽  
D Algar ◽  
RI Brazell
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Christmas Island

scholarly journals Rapid recolonisation of feral cats following intensive culling in a semi-isolated context

NeoBiota ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
pp. 177-200
Author(s):  
Pauline Palmas ◽  
Raphaël Gouyet ◽  
Malik Oedin ◽  
Alexandre Millon ◽  
Jean-Jérôme Cassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Caledonia ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Feral Cat ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Long Term Effect ◽  
Island Biodiversity ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Minimum Number Of Individuals ◽  
Adult Cats

Invasive feral cats threaten biodiversity at a global scale. Mitigating feral cat impacts and reducing their populations has therefore become a global conservation priority, especially on islands housing high endemic biodiversity. The New Caledonian archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot showing outstanding terrestrial species richness and endemism. Feral cats prey upon at least 44 of its native vertebrate species, 20 of which are IUCN Red-listed threatened species. To test the feasibility and efficiency of culling, intensive culling was conducted in a peninsula of New Caledonia (25.6 km²) identified as a priority site for feral cat management. Live-trapping over 38 days on a 10.6 km² area extirpated 36 adult cats, an estimated 44% of the population. However, three months after culling, all indicators derived from camera-trapping (e.g., abundance, minimum number of individuals and densities) suggest a return to pre-culling levels. Compensatory immigration appears to explain this unexpectedly rapid population recovery in a semi-isolated context. Since culling success does not guarantee a long-term effect, complementary methods like fencing and innovative automated traps need to be used, in accordance with predation thresholds identified through modelling, to preserve island biodiversity. Testing general assumptions on cat management, this article contributes important insights into a challenging conservation issue for islands and biodiversity hotspots worldwide.

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