An adaptive strategy for reducing feral cat predation on endangered Hawaiian birds

Author:

Hess, Steven C., Banko, Paul C., Hansen, Heidi

Title:

An adaptive strategy for reducing feral cat predation on endangered Hawaiian birds

Periodical:

Pacific Conservation Biology

Year:

2009

Volume:

15

Pages:

56-64

Subject:

Feral cats Felis catus Mauna Kea Endangered species Mongooses Predation

Summary:

Feral cats (Felis catus) became abundant in forests of the Hawaiian Islands soon after their introduction in the late 1700s. However, despite the long history of feral cats in Hawaii, little research had been done regarding strategies that would reduce depredation on endangered species. The objective of this study was to develop a predictive model in determining the landscape features of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, such as habitat, elevation, and proximity to roads, that may affect the number of feral cats captured at each trap. Log-link generalized linear models and QAIC(c) model ranking criteria was used to determine the effect of these factors. It was found that the effort, habitat type, and whether traps were located on the West or North slope of Mauna Kea, determined the number of cats captured per trap. As a result, an adaptive management strategy to minimize trapping interference by non-target Small Indian Mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus with toxicants was recommended to focus trapping efforts in Mamane Sophora chrysophylla habitat on the West slope of Mauna Kea, and to cluster traps near others that had previously captured multiple cats. The study area, methods used, and results of this study are included in this document.

Label:

Animals

Date:

Fall 2009

Collection:

Periodicals