Domestic cats and their impacts on biodiversity
First, we provide an overview of current knowledge, based on a literature review, concerning the ways in which domestic cats impact wildlife; the resulting effects on native species' populations and ecosystems ; and available strategies for addressing these issues.
Exploring the impact of outdoor cats on birds and wildlife, including predation, indirect "fear effects ," and risk of disease transmission.
Unveiling the Environmental Impact of Cats
The impact of cats on biodiversity is a pressing environmental concern. Cats are estimated to kill billions of animals worldwide each year, including many species that are endangered or of conservation concern. The problem is particularly acute in island ecosystems where native species have evolved without the presence of predators like cats .
How Do Cats Affect The Ecosystem ? Cats have an undeniable charm that captivates many, but their presence in various environments can lead to significant repercussions on local ecosystems . These furry companions, whether domesticated or feral, exhibit instinctive hunting behaviors that can dramatically shift the balance of their surrounding ...
Cats' impact on wildlife goes beyond predation
Researchers conducting a literature review on the impacts of cats (Felis catus) in the wild found the felines spread diseases like toxoplasmosis and can evoke stress and fear in other animals, resulting in secondary impacts on populations. But research mostly focuses on direct predation rather than secondary effects , they found.
Figure 1. Free-ranging and feral cats impact native wildlife through predation, competition, and spread of disease.
Overview of Cats Effect On Ecosystem
The impacts include predation on native fauna, behavioral changes of fauna in response to cats , disease transmission between cats and wildlife, hybridization between domestic cats and wild cats , and the breakdown of ecological processes due to domestic cats . The research comes from three continents: North America, Europe and Australia.
Free-ranging domestic cats cause wildlife extinctions on islands, but their impact on wildlife in mainland areas is unclear. This study presents an estimate of mortality caused by cats in the ...
