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Pyott ML, Norris DR, Mitchell GW, Custode L, Gow EA. Home range size and habitat selection of owned outdoor domestic cats ( Felis catus) in urban southwestern Ontario. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17159. [PMID: 38562997 PMCID: PMC10984174 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Domestic cats (Felis catus) play a dual role in society as both companion animals and predators. When provided with unsupervised outdoor access, cats can negatively impact native wildlife and create public health and animal welfare challenges. The effective implementation of management strategies, such as buffer zones or curfews, requires an understanding of home range size, the factors that influence their movement, and the types of habitats they use. Here, we used a community/citizen scientist approach to collect movement and habitat use data using GPS collars on owned outdoor cats in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge-Guelph region, southwestern Ontario, Canada. Mean (± SD) 100% minimum convex polygon home range size was 8 ± 8 ha (range: 0.34-38 ha) and was positively associated with road density but not with intrinsic factors such as boldness, sex, or age. With regards to habitat selection, cats used greenspaces, roads, and agricultural land less often than predicted but strongly selected for impervious surfaces (urban areas other than greenspaces or roads). Our results suggest that wildlife near buildings and residential areas are likely at the greatest risk of cat predation and that a buffer size of 840 m would be needed to restrict cats from entering areas of conservation concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlee L. Pyott
- Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - D. Ryan Norris
- Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Greg W. Mitchell
- Department of Integrative Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonardo Custode
- Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A. Gow
- Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
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Seo A, Ueda Y, Tanida H. Population Dynamics of Community Cats Living in a Tourist Area of Onomichi City, Japan, before and after the Trap-Test-Vaccinate-Alter-Return-Monitor Event. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023; 26:153-167. [PMID: 33856958 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.1901226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The community cat program (CCP) was recommended by the Ministry of the Environment to reduce cats in local animal shelters and improve stray cat welfare in Japan. It is a non-lethal control measure with stray cats cared for as free-roaming cats for their lifetime in the community, while Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) or Trap-Test-Vaccinate-Alter-Return-Monitor (TTVARM) activities are carried out. In the CCP, community cat colonies are hypothesized to be closed and static populations. However, it remains unknown whether the cats stay in the colonies, without migration of non-neutered cats following TNR/TTVARM events. We examined the population dynamics of cats before and after a TTVARM event using route censuses (107 days), fixed-point observations, and GPS-tracking in a tourist area in Onomichi. Eleven out of the 30 cats remained in the CCP areas, whereas 13 non-neutered cats immigrated into the CCP areas, within a year, suggesting the CCP program has limited efficacy. Besides, the program cannot support the lifetime management of the cats due rapid turnover of cats. Our results reject the CCP hypothesis, so that the program neither restricts cat breeding nor enhances cat welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aira Seo
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Ueda
- Animal Management and Welfare Guidance Division, Hiroshima Prefectural Animal Management and Welfare Center, Mihara, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hajime Tanida
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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3
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Fardell LL, Pavey CR, Dickman CR. Influences of roaming domestic cats on wildlife activity in patchy urban environments. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1123355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) are recognised as a threat to wildlife globally. Yet management of pet cats in urbanised areas is not regularly mandated, and management of feral cats in urbanised areas is rarely implemented. Mounting evidence emphasises the value of urban environments as hot spots of wildlife activity, which as the human population continues to grow may become the best or only habitats available to some wildlife species. Wildlife in urban environments must navigate introduced stressors that can compound with natural stressors. Additional, often novel, predators such as free-roaming pet and feral cats that are prevalent in urban environments could have high nonconsumptive fear/stress impacts on urban wildlife that influence their activity and adversely affect their health and reproduction capabilities, possibly more so than direct predation effects do. Cat roaming activity, particularly that of pet cats, could be managed with the support of the community, though motivation needs to be ensured. Understanding if roaming cat activity influences urban wildlife activity via perceived fear/stress impacts will help to build community motivation for the need for domestic cat management in urbanised areas. Using infrared motion sensor cameras positioned in both yards and green space edge habitats, we observed whether the presence and times active of native and introduced small mammals, and native birds, were impacted by domestic cat activity within a 24-h period and by their activity in the prior-24-h period. We found evidence of cat roaming activity during the hours of most wildlife activity, and show that wildlife navigated “landscapes of fear” relative to cat activity, as wildlife observed across a 24-h period increased their activity in the absence of cats in the same 24-h period and in the previous 24-h period. We also tested if cat activity was relative to previous cat activity, or disturbances, and found that cats reduced activity in response to each, but were still consistently present. Our results provide justification for the need to increase management of domestic cats in urbanised areas and offer fear/stress impacts as a novel approach to engender community support of such management.
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Morozov NS. The Role of Predators in Shaping Urban Bird Populations. 3. Are Predators a Barrier to the Synurbization of Prey Species in Russia’s Cities? BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359022090230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Movement Patterns of Roaming Companion Cats in Denmark—A Study Based on GPS Tracking. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141748. [PMID: 35883297 PMCID: PMC9311815 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the roaming patterns of companion cats in Denmark. The movements of 97 cats with outdoor access were traced for about seven days using GPS tracking. Data on the cats were gathered from their owners. The median time cats spent away from their homes was 5 h per day (IQR: 2.5 to 8.8 h), median daily distance moved was 2.4 km (IQR: 1.3 to 3.7 km), and median for 95% BBKDE home range was 5 ha (IQR: 2.9 to 8.5 ha). Cats above seven years of age spent less time away from home, were less active and had a smaller home range than younger cats. Cats with access to nature areas spent more time away from home, were more active and had larger home ranges. Intact male cats spent more time away from home than neutered cats and had larger home ranges as well. Finally, rainfall had an impact on the distance moved by cats: on days without rainfall the cats moved 3.6 km on average (95% CI: 2.8; 4.5 km); and on days with heavy rainfall the cats moved 2.4 km on average (95% CI: 1.6; 3.5 km).
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7
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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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8
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Fine-scale habitat selection of a small mammalian urban adapter: the West European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00251-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
AbstractUnderstanding patterns of habitat selection and factors affecting space use is fundamental in animal conservation. In urban landscapes, such knowledge can be used to advise householders on how best to manage their gardens for wildlife. In this study, we tracked 28 West European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), a species of conservation concern in the UK, in an area of high-density housing using radio and GPS tags to quantify patterns of habitat use and identify factors associated with the proportion of time spent in individual gardens. Both males and females exhibited a preference for residential gardens, but there were subtle differences between the sexes in relation to house type and front versus back gardens. Hedgehogs spent significantly more time in gardens where artificial food was provided, where a compost heap was present, if foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were infrequent visitors, if it rained overnight and as daylength increased (i.e., shorter nights); garden use was not significantly associated with variables potentially likely to reflect invertebrate prey abundance. These data suggest that the primary positive action that householders can undertake for urban hedgehogs is providing supplementary food. However, householders often feed hedgehogs after they know they are already visiting their garden. Consequently, the presence of artificial food may make it difficult to identify other important influences affecting garden use. Finally, we report that a GPS fix acquisition rate < 60% likely had no major effect on the results of our analyses, but should be a consideration in future studies using this technique on this species and in this habitat.
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9
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Predation of wildlife by domestic cats in a Neotropical city: a multi-factor issue. Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02734-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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10
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Candela MG, Fanelli A, Carvalho J, Serrano E, Domenech G, Alonso F, Martínez-Carrasco C. Urban landscape and infection risk in free-roaming cats. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:295-311. [PMID: 35129882 PMCID: PMC9304129 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite public concern on the role of free‐roaming cats as reservoirs of zoonotic agents, little is known about the influence of urban and peri‐urban landscapes on the exposure risk. We evaluated the seroprevalence of three zoonotic agents (Chlamydia felis, Coxiella burnetii and Toxoplasma gondii) in domestic cats (Felis catus). Two hundred and ninety‐one free‐roaming cats were trapped in Murcia municipality (Southeast Spain), and their sera were tested for specific antibodies against T. gondii using a modified agglutination test (MAT), and for C. felis, C. burnetii and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies with ELISA technique. Pathogen seroprevalence at 95% CI was calculated for each sex and age category (up to and over 12 months) and compared with a chi‐squared test. The role of human population density and urban landscape characteristics on the risk of pathogen exposure in the cat population was explored using generalized linear models. Seropositivity against a single pathogen was found in 60% of the cats, while 19% was seropositive for two or three pathogens. Seroprevalence of C. felis was 8% (CI95%: 5–11), 37% (CI95%: 31–42) for C. burnetii and 42% (CI95%: 36–47) for T. gondii. In addition to these three pathogens, FIV seropositivity was low (1%, CI95%: −0.1 to 2) and adult cats were more likely to be seropositive to C. burnetii than young individuals (OR: 2.3, CI95%: 1.2–4.2). No sex or age class differences in seroprevalence were observed for the rest of the pathogens. Seropositivity was correlated with water surface areas for C. felis, and not with crop areas. Coxiella burnetii seropositivity was correlated with the percentage of urban areas (continuous with only buildings and discontinuous, that include buildings, parks, and pedestrian and urban green areas), human population size and peri‐urban areas with shrubs, and not correlated with other agricultural landscapes (orchards and crop areas). However, the seroprevalence of T. gondii was only associated with agricultural landscapes such as orchards. The detection of hotspot areas of high pathogen exposure risk is the basis for municipal services to implement surveillance and risk factor control campaigns in specific‐risk areas, including (a) efficient health management of urban cat colonies by geographical location, population census and health status monitoring of the components of each cat colony, (b) improvement of hygiene and sanitary conditions at the feeding points of the cat colony and (c) free‐roaming cat trapping for health monitoring and, in the long term, to know the evolution of the health status of their populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica G Candela
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - João Carvalho
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Emmanuel Serrano
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Alonso
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Carrasco
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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11
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Cecchetti M, Crowley SL, Wilson‐Aggarwal J, Nelli L, McDonald RA. Spatial behavior of domestic cats and the effects of outdoor access restrictions and interventions to reduce predation of wildlife. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Cecchetti
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | - Sarah L. Crowley
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | | | - Luca Nelli
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
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12
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Fardell LL, Young LI, Pavey CR, Dickman CR. Habitat use by wandering pet cats ( Felis catus) in a patchy urban environment. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/juab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Pet cats (Felis catus) often have negative effects on wildlife. This is of growing concern in urban areas as these are increasingly becoming hotspots of native wildlife activity, and as the human population increases, so too does the pet cat population. To maintain biodiversity in urban areas, further knowledge on pet cat behaviour and impacts is required so that management strategies for pet cats are well informed and have public and government support. Here, we offer insights into the wandering activity of pet cats in a patchy urban—heavily vegetated landscape on the east coast of Australia. Our estimated pet cat movement ranges were generally larger than those previously observed in similar landscapes, as well as in more urbanized and rural habitats. Using GPS data loggers, we found that pet cats did not utilize vegetated spaces more than urban areas, nor did they prefer them relative to their availability. Half of our study cats selected urban habitats, whilst the other half displayed no selection or a slight preference for vegetated spaces; these cats had fewer barriers to overcome to reach them. We did not observe any large differences in movements or habitat use between day and night, but displacement distances and preference for vegetated space habitat were marginally lower at night. All pet cats monitored spent most of their time outside their houses. As both urban and vegetated spaces in patchy urban landscapes provide habitat for native wildlife, pet cat activity across both habitat types requires management action.
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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
| | - Lauren I Young
- Flora and Fauna Division, Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security, Northern Territory Government, Alice Springs, Northern Territory 0870, Australia
| | - Chris R Pavey
- CSIRO, Land and Water, PMB 44, Winnellie, Northern Territory 0822, Australia
| | - Christopher R Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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13
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Vanek JP, Rutter AU, Preuss TS, Jones HP, Glowacki GA. Anthropogenic factors influence the occupancy of an invasive carnivore in a suburban preserve system. Urban Ecosyst 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-020-01026-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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14
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Herrera DJ, Moore SM, Flockhart DTT, McShea WJ, Cove MV. Thinking outside the park: recommendations for camera trapping mammal communities in the urban matrix. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/juaa036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Urbanization is increasing globally, fragmenting habitats and prompting human–wildlife conflict. Urban wildlife research is concurrently expanding, but sampling methods are often biased towards large and intact habitats in public green spaces, neglecting the far more abundant, but degraded, habitats in the urban matrix. Here, we introduce the Five P’s of Urban Ecology—Partnerships, Planning, Placements, Public participation and Processing—as a path to overcoming the logistical barriers often associated with camera-trapping in the urban matrix. Though the Five P’s can be applied to a variety of urban sampling methods, we showcase the camera-trapping efforts of the DC Cat Count project in Washington, DC, as a case study. We compared occupancy models for eight urban mammal species using broad categorizations of land cover and local land use to determine drivers of mammal occurrence within the urban matrix as compared with urban habitat patches. Many native species maintained a strong association with large, semi-natural green spaces, but occupancy was not limited to these locations, and in some cases, the use of private yards and the built environment were not notably different. Furthermore, some species exhibited higher occupancy probabilities in developed areas over green spaces. Though seemingly intuitive, we offer advice on how to greatly reduce habitat-biased sampling methods in urban wildlife research and illustrate the importance of doing so to ensure accurate results that support the formation of effective urban planning and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Herrera
- Humane Rescue Alliance, 71 Oglethorpe Street NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA
| | - Sophie M Moore
- Humane Rescue Alliance, 71 Oglethorpe Street NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA
| | - D T Tyler Flockhart
- Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, 301 Braddock Rd, Frostburg, MD 21532, USA
| | - William J McShea
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Michael V Cove
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W Jones Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601, USA
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15
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Spotswood EN, Beller EE, Grossinger R, Grenier JL, Heller NE, Aronson MFJ. The Biological Deserts Fallacy: Cities in Their Landscapes Contribute More than We Think to Regional Biodiversity. Bioscience 2021; 71:148-160. [PMID: 33613128 PMCID: PMC7882369 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cities are both embedded within and ecologically linked to their surrounding landscapes. Although urbanization poses a substantial threat to biodiversity, cities also support many species, some of which have larger populations, faster growth rates, and higher productivity in cities than outside of them. Despite this fact, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the potentially beneficial links between cities and their surroundings. We identify five pathways by which cities can benefit regional ecosystems by releasing species from threats in the larger landscape, increasing regional habitat heterogeneity and genetic diversity, acting as migratory stopovers, preadapting species to climate change, and enhancing public engagement and environmental stewardship. Increasing recognition of these pathways could help cities identify effective strategies for supporting regional biodiversity conservation and could provide a science-based platform for incorporating biodiversity alongside other urban greening goals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin E Beller
- San Francisco Estuary Institute San Francisco, California in the United States. Erin E. Beller is the Urban Ecology Program manager for the Real Estate and Workplace Services Sustainability Team at Google, Mountain View, California, in the United States
| | - Robin Grossinger
- San Francisco Estuary Institute San Francisco, California in the United States. Erin E. Beller is the Urban Ecology Program manager for the Real Estate and Workplace Services Sustainability Team at Google, Mountain View, California, in the United States
| | - J Letitia Grenier
- San Francisco Estuary Institute San Francisco, California in the United States. Erin E. Beller is the Urban Ecology Program manager for the Real Estate and Workplace Services Sustainability Team at Google, Mountain View, California, in the United States
| | - Nicole E Heller
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Myla F J Aronson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
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Acute Cytauxzoon felis Cases in Domestic Cats from Eastern Kansas, a Retrospective Case-Control Study (2006-2019). Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7040205. [PMID: 33352846 PMCID: PMC7767035 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7040205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytauxzoon felis, a tick-borne hemoprotozoal pathogen of felids, causes an acute, often-fatal disease in domestic cats. While public awareness of the disease has increased, few studies have evaluated the incidence of acute cytauxzoonosis cases and their associated risk factors. The objective of this study was to retrospectively review records of cats diagnosed with acute cytauxzoonosis in eastern Kansas from 2006–2019 using clinic records and determine: (i) feline cytauxzoonosis risk factors; and (ii) if cytauxzoonosis case incidence is increasing. Although inter-annual variation of acute cytauxzoonosis diagnosis was observed in the eastern Kansas domestic cat population, the overall incidence trend remained largely unchanged over the 14-year case review period. In comparison to ill (C. felis-unrelated) control cases, more acute cytauxzoonosis cases were diagnosed in spring and summer, suggesting a seasonal fluctuation of infection, with samples most commonly submitted from ≥1 year old, owned, male cats. Although cytauxzoonosis case submissions remained consistent over the broad study period, increasing tick vector and domestic cat reservoir populations may contribute to additional cytauxzoonosis case expansion in endemic areas. Investigating the incidence of acute cytauxzoonosis, patient risk factors, and ecological variables that influence disease transmission are important steps towards developing and communicating the need for effective cytauxzoonosis control strategies for high-risk cat populations.
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17
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Cecchetti M, Crowley SL, McDonald RA. Drivers and facilitators of hunting behaviour in domestic cats and options for management. Mamm Rev 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Cecchetti
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn TR10 9FE UK
| | - Sarah L. Crowley
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn TR10 9FE UK
| | - Robbie A. McDonald
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn TR10 9FE UK
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18
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dos Anjos Pinheiro Bogoevich Morais R, Lima do Carmo E, Carneiro Bichara CN, Ramos dos Santos B, Silva da Silveira KW, Marins Póvoa M. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in pregnant individuals from a Brazilian Amazon municipality. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 9:e00133. [PMID: 31993513 PMCID: PMC6974787 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and to identify the risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in pregnant individuals living in the Ponta de Pedras municipality, Marajó Archipelago, State of Pará, where an outbreak of toxoplasmosis occurred in 2013. From 2014 to March 2017, a cross-sectional study was conducted, including 555 pregnant individuals aged 13- to 42-years-old. Serological tests (enzyme immunoassays) were performed, and socioenvironmental and behavioral information were obtained through the application of a questionnaire. A prevalence of 68.3% was detected, and older age, having contact with soil and living in an urban area were the risk factors associated with seropositivity. The study confirmed the high prevalence of infection among pregnant individuals in the region. The association of the infection with the variables of residential area and contact with soil indicates that there was environmental contamination by T. gondii oocysts in the municipality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela dos Anjos Pinheiro Bogoevich Morais
- Curso de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | | | | | - Bruna Ramos dos Santos
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
- Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação Científica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, CNPq, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Kaio Willy Silva da Silveira
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
- Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação Científica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, CNPq, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marinete Marins Póvoa
- Curso de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
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Jokimäki J, Suhonen J, Benedetti Y, Diaz M, Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki ML, Morelli F, Pérez-Contreras T, Rubio E, Sprau P, Tryjanowski P, Ibánez-Álamo JD. Land-sharing vs. land-sparing urban development modulate predator-prey interactions in Europe. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 30:e02049. [PMID: 31762100 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Urban areas are expanding globally as a consequence of human population increases, with overall negative effects on biodiversity. To prevent the further loss of biodiversity, it is urgent to understand the mechanisms behind this loss to develop evidence-based sustainable solutions to preserve biodiversity in urban landscapes. The two extreme urban development types along a continuum, land-sparing (large, continuous green areas and high-density housing) and land-sharing (small, fragmented green areas and low-density housing) have been the recent focus of debates regarding the pattern of urban development. However, in this context, there is no information on the mechanisms behind the observed biodiversity changes. One of the main mechanisms proposed to explain urban biodiversity loss is the alteration of predator-prey interactions. Using ground-nesting birds as a model system and data from nine European cities, we experimentally tested the effects of these two extreme urban development types on artificial ground nest survival and whether nest survival correlates with the local abundance of ground-nesting birds and their nest predators. Nest survival (n = 554) was lower in land-sharing than in land-sparing urban areas. Nest survival decreased with increasing numbers of local predators (cats and corvids) and with nest visibility. Correspondingly, relative abundance of ground-nesting birds was greater in land-sparing than in land-sharing urban areas, though overall bird species richness was unaffected by the pattern of urban development. We provide the first evidence that predator-prey interactions differ between the two extreme urban development types. Changing interactions may explain the higher proportion of ground-nesting birds in land-sparing areas, and suggest a limitation of the land-sharing model. Nest predator control and the provision of more green-covered urban habitats may also improve conservation of sensitive birds in cities. Our findings provide information on how to further expand our cities without severe loss of urban-sensitive species and give support for land-sparing over land-sharing urban development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Jokimäki
- Nature Inventory and EIA-services, Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, P. O. Box 122, FI-96101, Rovaniemi, Finland
| | - Jukka Suhonen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Yanina Benedetti
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Applied Geoinformatics and Spatial Planning, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, CZ-165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Mario Diaz
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (BGC-MNCN-CSIC), E-28006, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Federico Morelli
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Applied Geoinformatics and Spatial Planning, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, CZ-165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | | | - Enrique Rubio
- Behavioral and Physiological Ecology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Philipp Sprau
- Department of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, PL-60-625, Poznań, Poland
| | - Juan Diego Ibánez-Álamo
- Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Behavioral and Physiological Ecology Group, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
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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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21
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Lecca LO, Paiva MT, de Oliveira CSF, Morais MHF, de Azevedo MI, Bastos CDVE, Keller KM, Ecco R, Alves MRS, Pais GCT, Salvato LA, Xaulim GDMD, Barbosa DS, Brandão ST, Soares DFDM. Associated factors and spatial patterns of the epidemic sporotrichosis in a high density human populated area: A cross-sectional study from 2016 to 2018. Prev Vet Med 2020; 176:104939. [PMID: 32143029 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
An epidemiological characterization of human and feline sporotrichosis was carried out between 2016 and 2018, in a high density-populated area in Brazil. Professionals were trained to identify suspect cats and notify vets to interview the owners and collect swabs of the wounds from these animals. Mycological cultures were performed, and colonies identified as Sporothrix spp. Subsequently, data regarding the outcome from suspect animals were collected. Confirmed cases of human sporotrichosis (56) were also counted and analyzed for spatial distribution. 118 positive animals were observed. The prevalence of feline sporotrichosis was 8.36 ‰ (CI 95 %, 5.38-9.55 ‰). The odds for being positive in animals that lived only partially at home were 3.02 times greater than for those cats without access to the street (OR 3.02, CI 95 % 1,96-10,43). There was no statistically significant association between environmental variables and positive diagnosis, corroborating the hypothesis that direct transmission by infected cats plays a greater role in the occurrence and continuous outbreaks of sporotrichosis in Brazil. Among the positive animals, 61.90 % (CI 95 % 58.95-64.96) died, and they had an odds to die in the next six months 6.30 times greater than negative animals (p < 0.05, OR 6.30, CI 95 % 2,79-14,42). The case fatality rate was 55.08 % in cats (CI 95 % 49.20-51.15). The cause-specific death rate was 4.6 ‰ in cats (CI 95 % 3.4-6 ‰). Only 7.62 % (CI 95 % 7.12-8.16) positive cats were treated and cured. Among dead positive animals, 29.23 % were inappropriately discarded. In the study period 56 human cases were recorded in the Barreiro region. Regions with highest prevalence of feline sporotrichosis, had greater frequencies of both human and feline cases. This is the first report on the epidemic of sporotrichosis in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The free offer for treatment and veterinary care for these animals should be taken into consideration, as well as the collection and incineration of the dead ones, as measures of public health, followed by the guidance and care for the human patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívian Otávio Lecca
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Teixeira Paiva
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Camila Stefanie Fonseca de Oliveira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria Helena Franco Morais
- Diretoria de Zoonoses, Secretaria Municipal da Saúde, Prefeitura Municipal de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel de Azevedo
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila de Valgas E Bastos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Kelly Moura Keller
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Roselene Ecco
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Márcia Regina Silva Alves
- Diretoria de Zoonoses, Secretaria Municipal da Saúde, Prefeitura Municipal de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Graziella Coelho Tavares Pais
- Diretoria de Zoonoses, Secretaria Municipal da Saúde, Prefeitura Municipal de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lauranne Alves Salvato
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gustavo de Morais Donancio Xaulim
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - David Soeiro Barbosa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Silvana Tecles Brandão
- Diretoria de Zoonoses, Secretaria Municipal da Saúde, Prefeitura Municipal de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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A Case of Letting the Cat out of The Bag-Why Trap-Neuter-Return Is Not an Ethical Solution for Stray Cat ( Felis catus) Management. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9040171. [PMID: 30995809 PMCID: PMC6523511 DOI: 10.3390/ani9040171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, in which stray cats are captured, neutered and returned to the environment are advocated as a humane, ethical alternative to euthanasia. We review the TNR literature in light of current debate over whether or not there should be further TNR trials in Australia. We revisit the problems arising from stray cats living in association with human habitation and estimate how many stray cats would have to be processed through a scientifically-guided TNR program to avoid high euthanasia rates. We also identify 10 ethical and welfare challenges that have to be addressed: we consider the quality of life for stray cats, where they would live, whether the TNR process itself is stressful, whether TNR cats are vulnerable to injury, parasites and disease, can be medically treated, stray cats' body condition and diet, and their impacts on people, pet cats, and urban wildlife, especially endemic fauna. We conclude that TNR is unsuitable for Australia in almost all situations because it is unlikely to resolve problems caused by stray cats or meet ethical and welfare challenges. Targeted adoption, early-age desexing, community education initiatives and responsible pet ownership have greater promise to minimize euthanasia, reduce numbers rapidly, and address the identified issues.
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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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24
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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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