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Chamberlain SAE, McLeod LJ, Hine DW. Audience segmentation of New Zealand cat owners: Understanding the barriers and drivers of cat containment behavior. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296805. [PMID: 38198487 PMCID: PMC10781190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Free-roaming companion cats have a detrimental impact on the environment and are at risk of harm. Despite these negative impacts, it is the norm in New Zealand (NZ) to allow companion cats to roam freely and only a minority of cat owners practice cat containment. This study firstly sought to identify what factors act as barriers and drivers of NZ owners' participation in cat containment, and secondly whether NZ owners could be segmented into unique audiences based on the factors predicting their cat containment behavior. It was hypothesized that cat owners with greater capability, opportunity, and motivation to perform cat containment would have greater cat containment intentions and behavior. Furthermore, it was expected that at least three segments of cat owners would exist in NZ which differed significantly in the set of capability, opportunity and motivational factors predicting their cat containment behavior. A quantitative online cross-sectional survey of 395 NZ cat owners was conducted, measuring containment intentions and behavior, and capability, opportunity, and motivation to perform cat containment. Results from bivariate correlations and multiple regression demonstrated that capability, opportunity, and motivational factors predicted increased cat containment intentions and behavior. Latent profile analysis identified four distinct segments of cat owners with unique COM profiles; engaged (6%), receptive (17%), ambivalent (48%), and opposed (30%). Validation analysis demonstrated that these groups all differed significantly in their cat containment intentions and behaviors. From these findings theoretically grounded behavior change interventions can be developed to target the causes of non-participation in cat containment for each of the identified cat owner segments, thereby improving the management of free-roaming cats in NZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. E. Chamberlain
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Lynette J. McLeod
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Donald W. Hine
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
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2
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Abusaada H, Elshater A. Building Sustainable Habitats for Free-Roaming Cats in Public Spaces: A Systematic Literature Review. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023; 26:582-595. [PMID: 34957863 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.2014840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This review article examines the possibility of providing a toolkit to prepare habitats for free-roaming cats (FRCs) in public spaces. The toolkit targets local communities, authorities, stakeholders, and advocates in the cities of the Global South, to raise awareness and improve the welfare of FRCs living in urban communities. This article explores a relatively new area in urban studies and veterinary science, and its connection to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A systematic review was conducted using bibliometric analysis, which illustrated how the literature on urban studies ignores the sustainability of public spaces as a living space for FRCs. This study contributes to our understanding of the current situation of FRCs from a theoretical perspective, in relation to the urban transformation of low-income and high-poverty countries. The article concludes with a four-pillar toolkit to help impoverished communities use public spaces as a resource, build sustainable habitats, and provide living spaces for FRCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham Abusaada
- Professor of Architecture, Housing and Building National Research Center Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abeer Elshater
- Professor of Urban Morphology, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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3
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Mendoza Roldan JA, Otranto D. Zoonotic parasites associated with predation by dogs and cats. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:55. [PMID: 36747243 PMCID: PMC9901148 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05670-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most common behaviors of cats that have an indoor/outdoor lifestyle is to bring hunted "gifts" to their owners, represented by small mammals, reptiles and birds. Access to the outdoors by dogs and cats may represent a problematic issue, since they may be at risk of diseases, traffic accidents and ingestion of toxins. Yet, the impact of this population of roaming dogs and cats predating wildlife is another concerning issue that receives less attention. Despite these risks, most owners still prefer to give outdoor access to their pets to allow them to express their "natural instincts," such as hunting. Therefore, with a growing population of > 470 million dogs and 373 million cats worldwide, predation not only represents a threat to wildlife, but also a door of transmission for parasitic diseases, some of them of zoonotic concern. In this review, the role played by dogs, and especially cats, in the perpetuation of the biological life cycle of zoonotic parasites through the predation of rodents, reptiles and birds is discussed. Feral and domestics dogs and cats have contributed to the population collapse or extinction of > 63 species of reptiles, mammals and birds. Although the ecological impact of predation on wild populations is well documented, the zoonotic risk of transmission of parasitic diseases has not received significant attention. The parasitic diseases associated to predation vary from protozoan agents, such as toxoplasmosis, to cestodes like sparganosis and even nematodes such as toxocariasis. Raising awareness about predation as a risk of zoonotic parasitic infections in dogs and cats will aid to create responsible ownership and proper actions for controlling feral and free-roaming cat and dog populations worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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4
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Invasive Urban Mammalian Predators: Distribution and Multi-Scale Habitat Selection. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101527. [PMID: 36290430 PMCID: PMC9598248 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A barrier to successful ecological restoration of urban green spaces in many cities is invasive mammalian predators. We determined the fine- and landscape-scale habitat characteristics associated with the presence of five urban predators (black and brown rats, European hedgehogs, house mice, and brushtail possums) in three New Zealand cities, in spring and autumn, in three green space types: forest fragments, amenity parks, and residential gardens. Season contributed to variations in detections for all five taxa. Rodents were detected least in residential gardens; mice were detected more often in amenity parks. Hedgehogs were detected least in forest fragments. Possums were detected most often in forest fragments and least often in residential gardens. Some of this variation was explained by our models. Proximity of amenity parks to forest patches was strongly associated with presence of possums (positively), hedgehogs (positively), and rats (negatively). Conversely, proximity of residential gardens to forest patches was positively associated with rat presence. Rats were associated with shrub and lower canopy cover and mice with herb layer cover. In residential gardens, rat detection was associated with compost heaps. Successful restoration of biodiversity in these cities needs extensive, coordinated predator control programmes that engage urban residents.
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5
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Davenport RN, Weaver M, Weiss KCB, Strauss EG. Spatiotemporal relationships of coyotes and free-ranging domestic cats as indicators of conflict in Culver City, California. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14169. [PMID: 36225908 PMCID: PMC9549883 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
As habitat generalists, urban coyote (Canis latrans) populations often utilize an abundance of diverse food sources in cities. Within southern California, domestic cats (Felis catus) comprise a higher proportion of coyote diets than in other studied urban areas throughout the United States. However, it is unclear which ecological factors contribute to higher rates of cat depredation by coyotes in this region. While previous research suggests that coyote presence may have a negative effect on free-ranging domestic cat distributions, few studies have determined whether urban green spaces affect coyote or free-ranging domestic cat occurrence and activity within a predominantly urbanized landscape. We placed 20 remote wildlife cameras across a range of green spaces and residential sites in Culver City, California, an area of Los Angeles County experiencing pronounced coyote-domestic cat conflict. Using data collected across 6 months from 2019-2020, we assessed the influence of green space and prey species (i.e., cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.) and domestic cats) on coyote habitat use and activity. Coyotes exhibited a preference for sites with higher amounts of green space, while domestic cat habitat use was high throughout our study region. Although cottontail rabbit habitat use was also highly associated with urban green space, neither cottontails nor domestic cats appeared to temporally overlap significantly with coyotes. Unlike other cities where coyotes and domestic cats exhibit strong habitat partitioning across the landscape, domestic cats and coyotes spatially overlapped in green space fragments throughout Culver City. We suggest that this pattern of overlap may be responsible for the frequent cases of domestic cat depredation by coyotes in Culver City.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca N. Davenport
- Center for Urban Resilience, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California, United States,Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Melinda Weaver
- Center for Urban Resilience, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | | | - Eric G. Strauss
- Center for Urban Resilience, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California, United States
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6
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Drivers of predation by pet cats: environment overcomes predator’s intrinsic characteristics. Urban Ecosyst 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-022-01231-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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7
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Choeur A, Faulquier L, Orlowski S, Dijoux J, Potin G, Bureau S, Guilhaumon F, Le Corre M. Impacts and management of unowned and owned cats at a seabird colony on Reunion Island (Western Indian Ocean). Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02774-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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8
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Sumner CL, Walker JK, Dale AR. The Implications of Policies on the Welfare of Free-Roaming Cats in New Zealand. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030237. [PMID: 35158559 PMCID: PMC8833721 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Free-roaming cats in New Zealand include companion, stray, and feral cats, mostly defined based on their relationship with people. As such, the different policy mechanisms in New Zealand related to addressing the impacts of free-roaming cats reflect these different types of relationships. In this paper, we review the current laws and related regulations, codes, plans, and local bylaws related to cat management and identify the implications they have on cat welfare. Currently, there is no national law for cat management in New Zealand; however, we suggest that there is reason to create national legislation to ensure that cat management is humane and consistent across New Zealand. Abstract A lack of national legislation for cat management in New Zealand poses challenges for ensuring that practices are consistently humane and effective. In this paper, we review the current cat management policies in New Zealand and the implications they have on the welfare of free-roaming cats (from here on, referred to as ‘cats’). Our review demonstrates that there are multiple policy mechanisms used to manage cats in New Zealand for a variety of reasons, including animal welfare, pest management, and nuisance, and that these different policies have both positive and negative implications for cat welfare. We provide context pertaining to New Zealanders’ acceptance of current or future laws and regulations and compare the New Zealand policy landscape with other countries, with a particular emphasis on Australia, to identify potential directions and outcomes of increased regulation. We discuss the future of the regulatory environment in New Zealand, including the need to better understand the impact of policies on cats, people, and other animals in urban, rural, and wild spaces. We further discuss the need to better understand the cat–human relationship for future policy decisions and offer a solution based on national cat legislation.
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9
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Fardell LL, Bedoya-Pérez MA, Dickman CR, Crowther MS, Pavey CR, Narayan EJ. Are physiological and behavioural responses to stressors displayed concordantly by wild urban rodents? Naturwissenschaften 2021; 108:5. [PMID: 33411125 PMCID: PMC7790802 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-020-01716-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Understanding wild animal responses to stressors underpins effective wildlife management. In order for responses to stressors to be correctly interpreted, it is critical that measurements are taken on wild animals using minimally invasive techniques. Studies investigating wild animal responses to stressors often measure either a single physiological or behavioural variable, but whether such responses are comparable and concordant remains uncertain. We investigated this question in a pilot study that measured responses of wild-caught urban brown and black rats (Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus) to fur-based olfactory cues from a predator, the domestic cat (Felis catus); a novel herbivore, the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus); and a familiar herbivore and competitor, the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Physiological responses, measured by assaying faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, were compared to behavioural responses observed via video recordings. We found that physiological and behavioural responses to stressors were expressed concordantly. There was no sizeable physiological response observed, and the behavioural response when considered across the night was negligible. However, the behavioural response to the predator and competitor cues changed across the observation period, with activity increasing with increasing hours of exposure. Our results indicate that responses of wild rodents to cues are nuanced, with stress responses modulated by behaviour changes that vary over time according to the severity of the perceived threat as animals gather further information. If the physiological response alone had been assessed, this moderated response may not have been evident, and in terms of wildlife management, vital information would have been lost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren L Fardell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| | - Miguel A Bedoya-Pérez
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Christopher R Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Mathew S Crowther
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Chris R Pavey
- CSIRO, Land and Water, PMB 44, Winnellie, Northern Territory, 0822, Australia
| | - Edward J Narayan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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10
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Seymour CL, Simmons RE, Morling F, George ST, Peters K, O’Riain MJ. Caught on camera: The impacts of urban domestic cats on wild prey in an African city and neighbouring protected areas. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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11
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Bassett IE, McNaughton EJ, Plank GD, Stanley MC. Cat ownership and Proximity to Significant Ecological Areas Influence Attitudes Towards Cat Impacts and Management Practices. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 66:30-41. [PMID: 32318754 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-020-01289-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cat ownership is increasing globally, representing a growing threat to urban wildlife. Although some cities have policies and strategies for managing owned cats, the companionship value placed on cats makes such management contentious. Prioritizing cat management in urban residential zones adjacent to large significant ecological areas (SEAs; areas designated on the basis of representativeness, threat status or rarity, diversity, connectedness, or uniqueness) could maximize return on management effort. Residents in these areas may place a relatively higher value on nature than residents in suburbs with minimal or no SEAs, and therefore may be comparatively more likely to perceive cats' wildlife impacts as important. We used a quantitative survey to compare SEA and non-SEA suburbs' residents' attitudes towards cat impacts and management in Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland, Aotearoa-New Zealand. Participants were asked to rate the importance of different feral and owned cat impacts, the importance of feral-cat control in different locations, and various ownership behaviors in terms of acceptability and best practice. SEA suburb residents placed more importance on wildlife predation impacts of feral cats and were more likely to regard 24-h cat confinement as best practice than non-SEA suburb residents. However, we also found that cat ownership and youth were negatively associated with perception of cat impacts, and owners were less likely to accept belled collars and cat confinement than nonowners. Therefore, although targeting SEA adjacent areas for cat management holds promise for reducing resident contention, proximity to such areas is a relatively minor influence for cat owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen E Bassett
- Auckland Council, Private Bag 92300, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
| | | | - Gemma D Plank
- Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Margaret C Stanley
- Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
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12
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Crowley SL, Cecchetti M, McDonald RA. Our Wild Companions: Domestic cats in the Anthropocene. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 35:477-483. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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Kays R, Dunn RR, Parsons AW, Mcdonald B, Perkins T, Powers SA, Shell L, McDonald JL, Cole H, Kikillus H, Woods L, Tindle H, Roetman P. The small home ranges and large local ecological impacts of pet cats. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Kays
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh NC USA
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC USA
| | - R. R. Dunn
- Department of Applied Ecology North Carolina State University Raleigh NC USA
| | - A. W. Parsons
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh NC USA
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC USA
| | - B. Mcdonald
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh NC USA
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC USA
| | - T. Perkins
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth Hanover NH USA
| | - S. A. Powers
- Brody School of Medicine East Carolina University Greenville NC USA
| | | | - J. L. McDonald
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation College of Life and Environmental, Sciences University of Exeter Cornwall Campus Penryn UK
| | - H. Cole
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation College of Life and Environmental, Sciences University of Exeter Cornwall Campus Penryn UK
| | - H. Kikillus
- Victoria University of Wellington Wellington New Zealand
| | - L. Woods
- Victoria University of Wellington Wellington New Zealand
| | - H. Tindle
- University of South Australia School of Natural and Built Environments Adelaide Australia
| | - P. Roetman
- University of South Australia School of Natural and Built Environments Adelaide Australia
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14
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Mitsui K, Sato S, Kakuma Y. Effects of the Community Cats Program on Population Control, Migration and Welfare Status of Free-Roaming Cats in Tokyo, Japan. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10030461. [PMID: 32164291 PMCID: PMC7143609 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The community cats program (CCP), which includes trap-neuter-return activities, has been promoted in Japan to reduce the population of free-roaming cats without harmful effects on their welfare. To ascertain the effects of the CCP, a two-year route census of free-roaming cats was conducted in an area with CCP and the other area without CCP in urban Tokyo, Japan. The estimated number of cats was lower in the CCP area than the non-CCP area, but there was no difference in the rate of decline in cat populations between areas. More cats emigrated or disappeared rather than immigrated in both areas in the second year and more males tended to immigrate into the CCP area. There was no difference in the behavior of cats between areas and among seasons. The proportion of cats with poor health was lower in the CCP area than the non-CCP area. These results suggest that the CCP may improve the welfare of free-roaming cats. As the effect of CCP was restrictive in reducing the population of free-roaming cats, the further promotion of neutering of cats may be necessary to reduce the population density of cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Mitsui
- Graduate School of Science & Engineering, Teikyo University of Science, 2-2-1 Senjusakuragi, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 1200045, Japan
| | - Shusuke Sato
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, 2-2-1 Senjusakuragi, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 1200045, Japan;
| | - Yoshie Kakuma
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, 2-2-1 Senjusakuragi, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 1200045, Japan;
- Correspondence:
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15
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Peltzer DA, Bellingham PJ, Dickie IA, Houliston G, Hulme PE, Lyver PO, McGlone M, Richardson SJ, Wood J. Scale and complexity implications of making New Zealand predator-free by 2050. J R Soc N Z 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2019.1653940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ian A. Dickie
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Philip E. Hulme
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
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16
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Activity of free-roaming domestic cats in an urban reserve and public perception of pet-related threats to wildlife in New Zealand. Urban Ecosyst 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-019-00886-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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17
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Gates MC, Walker J, Zito S, Dale A. A survey of opinions towards dog and cat management policy issues in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2019; 67:315-322. [PMID: 31319780 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2019.1645627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Aims: To describe the opinions of respondents to an online survey on desexing, microchipping and pet registration, and the management of cats, and aggressive dogs in New Zealand. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted online from 18-22 June 2015 using a permission-based panel of New Zealand residents aged ≥18 years. Questions included demographics of respondents, number of dogs and cats owned, and opinions on desexing, microchipping, pet registration, management of cats and aggressive dogs. Results: Of the 1,572 survey respondents, 216 (13.7%) owned ≥1 dog and ≥1 cat, 227 (14.4%) owned ≥1 dog and no cats, 480 (30.5%) owned ≥1 cat and no dogs, and 559 (35.6%) did not own any pets. The majority of dogs (456/613; 74.8%) and cats (974/1,045; 93.2%) were desexed. The most common reasons for not desexing pets were cost, feeling that it was not needed, or keeping the dog for breeding. Of the 613 dogs, 557 (90.9%) were registered with the local council, and 434 (71.0%) were microchipped, but only 290 (47.3%) were registered in the national database. Of the 1,045 cats, 326 (31.2%) were microchipped and 279/486 (57.4%) owners felt that it was unnecessary. Of the 1,572 respondents, 947 (60.2%) were unaware of stray cats in their local community, and 479 (30.5%) stated that local councils, or animal welfare organisations (546/1,572; 34.7%) should be responsible for managing strays. Among all 1,572 respondents, 787 (50.1%) thought stray cats should be assessed and subjected to euthanasia. Compared with non-pet owners, a lower percentage of cat owners agreed that cats should be confined (p < 0.001). When asked to choose the most appropriate course of action for dogs that had bitten people or other animals, 849 (54.0%) and 820 (52.5%) respondents, respectively, agreed that the dog should be assessed by an expert who would then determine the appropriate action. Compared with non-pet owners, a lower percentage of dog owners supported registration and education of dog owners, aggressive dogs being destroyed, and giving more power to local councils (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results highlight opportunities to improve owner compliance with desexing, microchipping and registration of dogs and cats. Opinions towards management of stray cat and aggressive dogs varied between pet owners and non-owners. Further research is needed to better understand how to engage the public in important dog and cat management policy issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Gates
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - J Walker
- New Zealand Companion Animal Council , Waiuku, Auckland , New Zealand
| | - S Zito
- RNZSPCA , New Lynn, Auckland , New Zealand
| | - A Dale
- RNZSPCA , New Lynn, Auckland , New Zealand
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18
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Linklater WL, Farnworth MJ, Heezik Y, Stafford KJ, MacDonald EA. Prioritizing cat‐owner behaviors for a campaign to reduce wildlife depredation. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne L. Linklater
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological SciencesVictoria University of Wellington Wellington New Zealand
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and ManagementUniversity of California Berkeley California
| | - Mark J. Farnworth
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental SciencesNottingham Trent University Nottinghamshire UK
| | - Yolanda Heezik
- Department of ZoologyOtago University Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Kevin J. Stafford
- Institute of Veterinarian, Animal and Biomedical SciencesMassey University Palmerston North New Zealand
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19
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Crowley SL, Cecchetti M, McDonald RA. Hunting behaviour in domestic cats: An exploratory study of risk and responsibility among cat owners. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Crowley
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Cornwall UK
| | - Martina Cecchetti
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Cornwall UK
| | - Robbie A. McDonald
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Cornwall UK
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Parsons MH, Banks PB, Deutsch MA, Munshi-South J. Temporal and Space-Use Changes by Rats in Response to Predation by Feral Cats in an Urban Ecosystem. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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Hansen CM, Paterson AM, Ross JG, Ogilvie SC. Estimating feral cat (Felis catus) density in a rural to urban gradient using camera trapping. NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2018.1494609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cara M. Hansen
- Department of Pest-management and Conservation, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Adrian M. Paterson
- Department of Pest-management and Conservation, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - James G. Ross
- Department of Pest-management and Conservation, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Anton V, Hartley S, Geldenhuis A, Wittmer HU. Monitoring the mammalian fauna of urban areas using remote cameras and citizen science. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/juy002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Anton
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Stephen Hartley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Andre Geldenhuis
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Heiko U Wittmer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
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23
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Bell BD, Hare KM, Pledger SA. Lizards in the suburbs: a single-garden study of a small endemic New Zealand skink (Oligosoma aeneum). NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2018.1434212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ben D. Bell
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Kelly M. Hare
- School of Graduate Research, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Shirley A. Pledger
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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van Heezik Y, Seddon PJ. Animal reintroductions in peopled landscapes: moving towards urban-based species restorations in New Zealand. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/pc18026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Urban areas are highly modified landscapes that can support significant biodiversity, including threatened species, although native species are usually present at low densities and several native species will be absent. The most powerful tool for increasing urban biodiversity is supporting existing biodiversity through appropriately designed and managed public and private greenspaces, and improving habitat quality. However, if a more proactive strategy is required to overcome recolonisation barriers, then reintroduction is another powerful tool to enhance biodiversity across urban landscapes. The health of cities, in terms of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the quality of the nature experiences accessed by adults and children largely depends on how much human communities value and know about nature. While community-driven habitat restorations can improve biodiversity and increase human–nature connection, reintroduction of appropriate species could fill ecological gaps that would otherwise remain empty, and further enrich biodiversity in residents’ nearby neighbourhoods. New Zealand is currently a hotspot of reintroduction activity, but these take place in relatively unmodified terrestrial sites, such as national parks, restored offshore islands, and fenced eco-sanctuaries. We review global examples of animal reintroductions taking place within areas modified by human activity, and, using information elicited from 18 experts, consider potential reintroduction candidates, and consider the benefits, opportunities, challenges, and requirements for the reintroduction of native species into New Zealand’s urban areas.
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