WHEATBELT Natural Resource Management (NRM) are calling on landowners to assist in the fight against feral and pet cats that are killing millions of native animals every day.
According to the Wheatbelt NRM every 24 hours, feral and pet cats across the nation kill an estimated 3 million mammals, 1.7m reptiles, 1m birds, 2.8m invertebrates and 337,000 frogs.
In WA alone, 36 mammals, 11 reptiles and 22 bird species are vulnerable to predation by feral cats, pushing many to the brink of extinction, including the revered Carnaby black cockatoo.
It’s estimated a feral cat roaming the bush can kill more than 700 small animals every year.
“If you love or live in our landscape but are unsure of what you can do alone – reach out to us at Wheatbelt NRM,” a spokesperson said.
“We can provide funding for fencing and pest control methods and if you want to go the extra mile with a possible revegetation project to bolster native populations, we can help with that too.”
The call to action is also an important reminder to landholders that pet cats that are allowed to roam also contribute to the destruction of native populations.
A singular cat resulted in the decimation of a Carnaby black cockatoo breeding site, with an unnumbered amount
of nestlings killed, six breeding females destroyed and numerous eggs smashed.
“There are many preventative measures people can take as a responsible pet owner,” the spokesperson said.
“This includes ensuring your cats are sterilized, keep cats indoors,
build or buy ‘catios’ or cat runs to allow for some freedom without jeopardizing native landscapes, apply cat bibs or preventative collars to severely limit their hunting ability, and report any sightings to the relevant authorities.
“Keep in mind, feral cats are quick breeders and have little to no natural predators in Australia and therefore no population control besides individual efforts or community led projects.”
To see if you are eligible for funding visit www.wheatbeltnrm.org.au or email Wheatbelt NRM at info@wheatbeltnrm.org.au
