Managing Feral Cats
Managing Feral Cats
All land managers can reduce risks from Feral Cat populations on land under their care and control.
Taking Action -
MEPAAW2‐NC‐02
The issue
Feral cats are a common and efficient predator that colonise a wide range of habitats, eat a wide range of prey and can survive with limited access to water. In some areas of Australia feral cats represent a significant threat to vulnerable and endangered native fauna. They may also have an indirect adverse impact on wildlife and livestock through the transmission of diseases such as toxoplasmosis and sarcosporidiosis, known to kill many native mammals and birds. Feral cat distribution is not accurately mapped but pest animal practitioners in the North Coast region consider them to be widespread.
The solution
Funding was obtained under The Managing Established Pest Animals and Weeds (MEPAAW) project facilitated by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), with funding received from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. Clarence Landcare held a Feral Cat Control Workshop in conjunction with presentations from North Coast Local Land Services (NCLLS) and DPI as well as feral animal control consultants from Pest Lures in Tenterfield. This workshop provided the public with biosecurity information, introduced them to the Feral Cat Scan website and smart device app and covered the impacts of feral cats, the principals of control and the six stages of trapping.
The impact
Thirty-one attendees came to the workshop with participants ranging from TAFE students, local land managers and residents from further afield. With presentations delivered by DPI and Pest Lures it was an opportunity for attendees to gain locally relevant information, ask questions and network with other land managers. Much of the workshop was hands-on providing participants with an opportunity to gain practical experience in sign identification, equipment preparation, trap site selection, trap setting, the use of lures/decoys and humane euthanasia. Feedback from the workshop showed a significant increase in participant's knowledge of feral cat management and their confidence to undertake management activities; many remarking on how informative and engaging the workshop was.
Key facts
- 31 attendees in total
- 9 TAFE students
- Opportunities for land managers to network
- Hands-on demonstrations and experience