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

Brazilian Journal of Biology

Icm Lessa¹  Hg. Bergallo¹ 

[1] ,Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes Departamento de EcologiaRio de Janeiro RJ ,Brazil

关键词: invasive species;    Felis catus;    predation rate;    population density;    castration simulation;    espécie invasora;    Felis catus;    taxa de predação;    densidade populacional;    simulação de castração;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S1519-69842012000300005

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

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/km². 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.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
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