Management of feral domestic cats in the urban environment of Rome (Italy)

Natoli, Eugenia; Maragliano, Laura; Cariola, Giuseppe; Faini, Anna; Bonanni, Roberto; Cafazzo, Simona; Fantini, Claudio

doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2006.06.005

Cited by 122 publications

(137 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Most commonly, Trap-Neuter-Release/Return (TNR) is utilized and has been shown to work if all available females are sterilized on a biannual basis (Mendes-de-Almeida et al, 2011). However research indicates that public support for TNR is less strong in New Zealand (Farnworth et al, 2011) when compared to other countries (Natoli et al, 2006). A recent review of TNR has also concluded that many of the claims made in its support are either not broadly applicable, demonstrably false or unquantifiable (Longcore, Rich, & Sullivan, 2009).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution characteristics of unmanaged cat colonies over a 20 year period in Auckland, New Zealand

Aguilar

Farnworth

2013

Applied Geography

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a b s t r a c tCat colony records for the period 1991 to 2011 were used to determine spatial characteristics and relationships between cat colony density, human population, social conditions and the physical environment. Results show a positive correlation between cat colonies, population density, social indicators and the types of land where they are located. A temporal increase in the density of cat colonies is noticeable in areas where they are frequently reported, supporting the hypothesis that cat colonies are a persistent feature of Auckland's urban landscape. Complementing an earlier paper on stray cats, this paper seeks to provide information to support the implementation of management measures to mitigate both social and animal welfare concerns.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution characteristics of unmanaged cat colonies over a 20 year period in Auckland, New Zealand

Aguilar

Farnworth

2013

Applied Geography

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“…In urban areas like Rome (Natoli et al, 2006), control is aimed at cats living in colonies, usually in parks and gardens. Eradication is feasible only with the removal of all individuals, which are taken to shelters where they are euthanised or neutered.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modelling the population control of the domestic cat: an example from an island in Brazil

Lessa

Bergallo

2012

Braz. J. Biol.

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The domestic cat is an invasive species that often causes great impacts where introduced due to its high predatory and reproductive potential, especially on islands. In this study, carried out on Ilha Grande (RJ, Brazil), we aimed to: i) estimate the population density of domestic cats, ii) calculate the number of animals preyed upon annually by domestic cats, and iii) evaluate the efficiency of methods to control the cat population. We used the Vortex program to project the population growth of domestic cats in fifty years, and simulated different scenarios of population control (without control, castration, spay and harvest). Population density of owned cats was 662 cats/km 2 . The annual predation rate was 1.97 prey animals/cat which is an average of 1497.96 prey/year. The population would only be reduced if 70% of females were spayed or removed annually. Measures to control the domestic cat population must be undertaken urgently, since uncontrolled growth of this predator has the potential to seriously impact the biodiversity of Ilha Grande.Keywords: invasive species, Felis catus, predation rate, population density, castration simulation. Modelando o controle populacional de gato doméstico: um exemplo de uma ilha no BrasilResumo O gato doméstico é uma espécie invasora que frequentemente causa grandes impactos onde é introduzido, em razão do seu alto potencial predatório e reprodutivo, especialmente em ilhas. Com este estudo realizado na Ilha Grande-RJ, Brasil, tivemos como objetivos: i) estimar a densidade populacional de gatos domésticos; ii) calcular o número de animais predados anualmente por gatos domésticos, e iii) estimar a eficiência de métodos para o controle da população de gatos. Nós utilizamos o programa Vortex para projetar o crescimento da população de gatos em 50 anos e simulamos diferentes cenários de controle populacional: sem controle, castração, esterilização de fêmeas e remoção de indivíduos. A densidade populacional de gatos que possuem donos foi de 662 gatos/km 2 . A taxa anual de predação foi de 1,97 animais predados/gato, ou seja, uma média de 1497,96 presas/ano. A população de gatos pode ser reduzida apenas se no mínimo 70% das fêmeas forem esterilizadas ou removidas anualmente. Medidas para o controle populacional de gatos domésticos devem ser tomadas com urgência, uma vez que o crescimento descontrolado da população desse predador tem o potencial de causar graves impactos à biodiversidade da Ilha Grande.Palavras-chave: espécie invasora, Felis catus, taxa de predação, densidade populacional, simulação de castração.

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“…In contrast, TNR programs alone have never been shown to stabilize a feral cat population in the scientific literature (Zaunbrecher and Smith 1993, Castillo and Clarke 2003, Natoli et al 2006. Of the TNR studies reporting success, each program included removal of a significant number of animals for adoption (Centonze and Levy 2002, Hughes and Slater 2002, Levy et al 2003a.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Feeding and presence of cats has been found to result in increases in immigration and abandonment (Castillo andClarke 2003, Jessup 2004). Continued immigration and abandonment in managed areas can effectively counteract the benefits of TNR management; for example, a long-term (>10 years), widespread TNR program in Rome was considered to be a "waste of money, time, and energy" due to continued abandonment and immigration (Natoli et al 2006). Currently, feral cat feeding is a widespread practice that occurs in 8% to 26% of households (Manning and Rowan 1992, Levy et al 2003b, Lord 2008; discouraging feral cat feeding and reducing abandonment of animals would undoubtedly assist in resolving the feral cat problem.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%