By land and by sea: the widespread threat of feral cats on Hawaiian wildlife

Author:

Hess, Steven C.

Title:

By land and by sea: the widespread threat of feral cats on Hawaiian wildlife

Periodical:

The Wildlife Professional

Year:

2011

Volume:

5

Subject:

Feral cats Predation Petrels Palila Toxoplasma gondii

Summary:

In this document, the author describes the effect that feral cats have had in the predation of Hawaii's endemic wildlife that inhabit the areas of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, such as the small, nocturnal, band-rumped storm petrels, (Leanodroma castro), the endangered Palila, (Loxioides bailleui), and the Hawaiian petrel, (Pterodroma sandwichensis). Also described is the effect that cat-borne toxoplasmosis has had on native wildlife such as on the Nene or Hawaiian goose, (Branta sandvicensis), the critically endangered Hawaiian crow, (Corvus hawaiiensis), and the red-footed booby (Sula sula). In addition, since the death of at least one endangered Hawaiian monk seal, (Monachus schauinslandi), was recorded on the coast of Kauai, mention is also made of the effect that toxoplasmosis may have in marine mammals where cat feces washes into the ocean. Research has also shown that T. gondii oocysts can sporulate in seawater and infect seal and dolphin species. While it is impossible to know the extent that cat-related infection and mortality has had in the marine mammals that surround the Hawaiian Islands, the National Park Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, and other federal and state agencies are beginning to install predator-proof fences around the areas that are inhabited by endangered birds an effort to reduce or eliminate the threat that potential disease and predation has on Hawaii's endemic wildlife.

Label:

Birds - General

URL:

http://issuu.com/the-wildlife-professional/docs/feralcats

Date:

Spring 2011

Collection:

Periodicals