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

Pacific Conservation Biology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Despite the long history of Feral Cats Felis catus in Hawai'i, there has been little research to provide strategies to improve control programmes and reduce depredation on endangered species. Our objective Was to develop a predictive model to determine how landscape features on Mauna Kea, such as habitat, elevation, and proximity to roads, may affect the number of Feral Cats captured at each trap. We used log-link generalized linear models and QAIC c model ranking criteria to determine the effect of these factors. We found that The number of cats captured per trap Was related to effort, habitat type, and Whether traps Were located on The West or North Slope of Mauna Kea. We recommend an adaptive management strategy to minimize trapping interference by non-target Small Indian Mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus with toxicants, to focus trapping efforts in M??mane Sophora chrysophylla habitat on the West slope of Mauna Kea, and to cluster traps near others that have previously captured multiple cats.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title An adaptive strategy for reducing feral cat predation on endangered Hawaiian birds
Series title Pacific Conservation Biology
DOI 10.1071/pc090056
Volume 15
Issue 1
Year Published 2009
Language English
Publisher Csiro Publishing
Description 9 p.
First page 56
Last page 64
Country United States
State Hawaii
Other Geospatial Hawai'i Island
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