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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 35(5)

A bait-suspension device for the control of feral cats

D. Algar A C and R. I. Brazell B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Environment and Conservation, Science Division, PO Box 51, Wanneroo, WA 6065, Australia.

B Department of Environment and Conservation, South West Region, Wellington District, PO Box 809, Collie, WA 6225, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: dave.algar@dec.wa.gov.au

Wildlife Research 35(5) 471-476 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR07167
Submitted: 26 October 2007  Accepted: 7 April 2008   Published: 19 August 2008

Abstract

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.


Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the financial support provided by Christmas Island Phosphate for this feasibility study. Thanks are extended to Joy Wickenden (Environmental Adviser) from Christmas Island Phosphates, Alistair Graham (Government Conservator), Azmi Yon (Senior Ranger) from Parks Australia North for assistance while we were on the island. We also thank the people of Christmas Island for their hospitality during our visit. Fig. 1 was drawn by J. McRae. The draft manuscript was improved with the comments from three anonymous referees. The trapping technique has been approved by the Department of Environment and Conservation Animal Ethics Committee (CAEC No. 2001/17).


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