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Evaluating the efficacy of a landscape scale feral cat control program using camera traps and occupancy models
Sarah Comer1,2, Peter Speldewinde3, Cameron Tiller4
1Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, South Coast Region, 120 Albany Hwy, Albany, Western Australia, 6330, Australia. sarah.comer@dbca.wa.gov.au.
Scientific Reports
|March 30, 2018
Summary
Aerial baiting effectively reduced feral cat populations at Fortescue Marsh, Western Australia. This five-year study confirmed landscape-scale cat removal and validated camera traps for monitoring conservation efforts against invasive predators.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife ecology
- Invasive species management
- Conservation biology
Background:
- Introduced predators, specifically feral cats and red foxes, significantly impact native Australian species, causing population declines and range reductions.
- Predation by feral cats has altered native fauna communities, necessitating landscape-scale threat abatement strategies like targeted baiting programs.
- The effectiveness of broad-scale baiting programs requires rigorous demonstration to optimize management strategies for invasive species control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of aerial baiting using Eradicat for controlling feral cat populations at Fortescue Marsh, Western Australia.
- To evaluate the impact of a five-year baiting program on feral cat occupancy.
- To validate the use of camera traps and occupancy models as monitoring tools for invasive predator control.
Main Methods:
- A five-year aerial baiting program using Eradicat was implemented at Fortescue Marsh.
- Camera traps were deployed to monitor feral cat presence and activity.
- Occupancy models were utilized to analyze changes in the probability of site occupancy by feral cats in response to baiting.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in the probability of site occupancy by feral cats was observed in baited areas over the five-year study period.
- The study demonstrated the effectiveness of landscape-scale aerial baiting for reducing feral cat numbers.
- Camera trap monitoring proved to be a valid technique for detecting changes in feral cat occupancy during the baiting program.
Conclusions:
- Aerial baiting is an effective method for landscape-scale removal of feral cats in Western Australia.
- Camera trap monitoring is a reliable tool for assessing the impact of invasive predator control programs.
- The findings support the continued use and refinement of baiting strategies for conserving native Australian fauna.
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