New study shows the threat from feral cats in Australia has been severely underestimated
Scientists from the University of New South Wales have found that feral cats in Australia are destroying significantly more animal species than previously thought, writes The Independent.
Over the past 250 years, more than 40 mammal species have disappeared from the continent, and another 700 species are threatened with extinction. Approximately 200 of them are directly suffering due to feral cats, along with deforestation, other alien predators, and diseases.
Previous studies indicated that feral cats kill about 1.5 billion animals annually in Australia. However, the new work showed that these estimates were underestimated: cats may destroy twice as many mammal species and three times as many bird species as previously thought.
Previously, scientists studied the cats' diet by examining remains in stomachs and excrement — bones, fur, feathers, and other visible traces of prey. But small animals are quickly digested, so many victims remained unnoticed.
The new study used a forensic genetic analysis method. It allows researchers to find even very small fragments of DNA from eaten animals and accurately determine their species. Thanks to this, researchers discovered significantly more prey species in the diet of feral cats, including rare soft-bodied frogs.
Scientists call for the creation of special fenced territories to protect rare species. Such "safe havens" can protect animals not only from wild cats but also from foxes and rabbits, helping to preserve Australia's unique nature.
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