Feral cats: too long a threat to Hawaiian wildlife

Author:

Banko, Paul C., Hess, Steven

Title:

Feral cats: too long a threat to Hawaiian wildlife

Year:

2006

Subject:

Birds conservation Endangered species birds Feral cats Predatory animals control Mauna Kea

Summary:

Since their introduction to Hawaii in the 1800s, cats have adapted to life on their own in Hawaiian ecosystems, where they are now abundant. Their success in these habitats has been at the expense of native animals, which evolved in the absence of mammalian predators. Native birds are particularly vulnerable. In addition to predation, cats also impact native wildlife by transmitting lethal diseases. For the 'alala, nene, palila, and uau, unnatural predation, in addition to other factors, continues to threaten the survival of these endangered species. Given enough time, feral cats may even cause the extirpation of some populations of these birds. The U.S. Geological Survey, (USGS), is currently collaborating with the National Park Service, (NPS), to reduce the threat of these introduced predators to endangered species in parks throughout Hawaii. These findings will help protect native birds whether they occur in areas managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (USFWS), State of Hawaii, or on privately-owned lands.

URL:

https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/fs20063006

Collection:

Monographs