Domestic cats destroy over one million native animals a day – but Australians still find it hard to accept their own cute little moggie could be a killer
‘The reality is no matter how pampered, well-fed and domesticated, our pet cats do not lose their hunting instinct’ says Trent Zimmerman.‘The reality is no matter how pampered, well-fed and domesticated, our pet cats do not lose their hunting instinct’ says Trent Zimmerman.he Macquarie Island parakeet was, by all accounts, an elegant parrot endemic to the island off southern Tasmania that shared its name. We will never really know, because the last of its species was seen in the 1880s.
Less was said, however, about the damage being caused by introduced predators like the cat, despite the report identifying its role in the extinction of 30 mammal species since 1788. While precise numbers vary, the cat has been a major factor in the loss of the overwhelming number of mammals lost along with many bird species.It’s time we recognised cats and their impact on our environment as a major national issue.
The impact of cats was the subject of a parliamentary committee inquiry I helped instigate in the last term of parliament. The NSW National Parks andService told the committee that “for our mammal fauna, feral cats and foxes are identified as the greatest threat, along with changed fire regimes.” Feral cat eradication is important and new technologies to achieve this are being developed, but with cats found across 99% of the Australian landmass, they do not provide a complete answer. They are valuable tools, though, in some geographic areas and at least give some native animals a chance.
Most of these reserves are located in remote areas, but some can be seen closer to our urban centres. Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary in Canberra is a good example. On a nocturnal visit, I had the exciting opportunity of seeing the rare eastern quoll, which was reintroduced to the mainland at the Reserve.
Yet the reality is that no matter how pampered, well-fed and domesticated, our pet cats do not lose their hunting extinct. In fact domestic cats are attributed with killing over one million native animals a day, primarily in urban environments where our native species already face a multitude of other challenges.And we are not just talking about abundant native animals – urban areas are home to many threatened bird species that are hunted by cats.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Deeply sorry’: Minister apologises for system failing Defence and veteransVeterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh says it’s clear something is not working in his department and Defence given the serious issues facing many people transitioning out of active service.
Read more »
Coalition ‘listening respectfully’ on Voice plan: DuttonCritics within the opposition are pushing back against plans to recognise Indigenous Australians in the Constitution.
Read more »
Australia braces for more rain as third La Niña brewsWhatever the official status of La Niña is should be irrelevant. What's important is the impact on Australians, particularly those who have already suffered through major floods, writes Sky News Australia Chief Meteorologist Tom Saunders.
Read more »
Australia can expect more of Xi’s fighter jets, less polite diplomacySo far, the federal government is showing no sign of changing the fundamental Australian position on China and Taiwan. But the Chinese have put Australians on notice about an era of deepening conflict, even war. | OPINION CroweDM
Read more »
Education ministers to tackle teacher shortagesEducation ministers will meet today to address teacher shortages in Australia.
Read more »
It's not all dots and it's not all 'traditional' — busting big myths about Aboriginal artTo help you better appreciate the wide, wonderful world of Indigenous art, we’re busting some big myths and misconceptions.
Read more »