Survival of Feral Cats, Felis catus (Carnivora: Felidae), on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, Based on Tooth Cementum Lines

Author:

Danner, Raymond, Farmer, Chris, Hess, Steven C., Stephens, Robert M., Banko, Paul C.

Title:

Survival of Feral Cats, Felis catus (Carnivora: Felidae), on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, Based on Tooth Cementum Lines

Periodical:

Pacific Science

Year:

2010

Volume:

64

Pages:

381-389

Subject:

Feral cats Felis catus Predatory animals Palila Loxioides bailleui Endangered species birds

Summary:

Live trap samples were collected from two sites on Mauna Kea both located in dry subalpine woodlands in federally designated critical habitats for the palilia (Loxioides bailleui). The study constructed the age distribution and estimated survival of feral cats using cementum lines present in the lower canine teeth. The results stated that there were "three major ecological and conservation implications of the relatively high survival and longevity of cats on Mauna Kea." They are: that the cumulative effect of predation by a single cat throughout its life is likely to be substantial; longevity may increase the chance of an individual transmitting toxoplasmosis to native Hawaiian species; and each individual female is capable of producing many offspring. The study states that "continuous control efforts may be necessary to effectively reduce cat populations and minimize their impacts on native species."

Label:

Animals

URL:

http://cletus.uhh.hawaii.edu:2074/10.2984/64.3.381

Collection:

Periodicals