The Albanese Government has waged a war against feral cats in hopes of protecting Australia’s native wildlife.
These predators have been responsible for decimating native species and pushing vulnerable wildlife to the brink of extinction.
The staggering impact of feral cats on Australia’s wildlife cannot be ignored. These predators are responsible for the deaths of approximately two billion reptiles, birds, and mammals each year, equivalent to almost six million every night.
Over the past two centuries, feral cats have played a role in two-thirds of mammal extinctions in Australia. Currently, they pose a threat to over 200 nationally listed threatened species, including iconic creatures like the Greater Bilby, Numbat, and Gilbert’s potoroo.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek further emphasised the alarming statistics, pointing out that cats kill six million animals every night in Australia. She declared a commitment to creating a feral cat-free Australia.
“We are declaring war on feral cats. And today, we are setting up our battle plan to win that war,“ she said.
The Government is encouraging public participation in shaping the new plan, with consultations open until December 2023.
The Invasive Species Council and the Biodiversity Council have welcomed the release by the federal government of a draft Threat Abatement Plan for Feral Cats for public consultation.
Advocacy Manager for the Invasive Species Council, Jack Gough said they are pleased to see such a comprehensive threat abatement plan.
“Importantly it highlights the opportunities around island eradications, supporting indigenous rangers and the need for state and territory legislation and policies to enable effective cat control and responsible pet ownership,” Gough said.
The government’s plan sets ambitious goals to reduce the population of feral cats across the country. Key objectives include preventing any further extinctions caused by feral cats and ensuring that these predators do not endanger non-threatened native species.
To achieve these goals, the plan outlines the need for legislative reforms, strategic planning, and extensive research to effectively manage this destructive predator.
It emphasises the importance of leveraging technological advancements and developing innovative tools, such as the Felixer cat grooming trap, to control feral cat populations.
And, the plan focuses on preventing cats from colonising islands, removing them from critical areas, and expanding cat-free fenced and island havens.
