Feral Cat Project
Invasive species exact a huge toll on the Australian environment and all those who manage it.
The environmental fall-out of invasive animals is staggering. Feral cat predation on native birds, alone, has been figured at $144 million per year, and the feral cat population directly threatens 100 Australian species with extinction.
Beyond the environmental and economic impacts, invasive species also cause individuals and communities untold psychological and social distress.
Thankfully, UNE is leading ground-breaking research and collaboration into cost effective control measures and developing powerful new tools to equip and empower land managers and regional communities.
The NSW Environmental Trust has awarded the University of New England $14.6 million to tackle the devastating impact feral cats are having on NSW wildlife. This is the largest single grant ever awarded in NSW towards the control of feral cats and will fund innovative, on-ground research at sites in northern, southern and western NSW.
UNE, in partnership with NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment: No. This project will investigate the safety and efficacy of new feral cat baits as well as a range of other options, such as humane trapping and novel cat-control devices. The objective is to find the best combination of techniques leading to a reduction in feral cat impacts and recovery of affected native species. No. CRISPR technology and biocontrol to manage feral cats are outside the scope of this project. Some native animals will be captured and released in accordance with animal ethics approval for reasons that include testing for cat-borne disease and monitoring responses to management actions. All captured cats will first be scanned for a microchip. Microchipped cats will be provided to local Government. Feral cats will be humanely euthanased by certified professional staff, either by shooting (in accordance with SOP and approved shoot plans) or by humane lethal injection. Environmental Trust staff worked closely with stakeholders and subject matter experts as part of the Major Projects Prospectus 2018 – 2020 to refine and scope potential projects. A sub-set of projects were selected by an independent sub-committee and approved by the Trust Secretary. This would be a strategically important finding for conservation in Australia. It would prompt managers and researchers to focus on other ways to conserve fauna threatened by feral cats. Our staff are well placed to lead this strategic change, if required.Feral Cat Management Project FAQs