NSW’s Bold New Approach to Feral Cat Control with Expert Shooters
In a bold move to protect Australia’s wildlife, the New South Wales government has announced a state-first program to tackle the growing problem of feral cats in national parks. This initiative marks a significant shift in the approach to managing these invasive predators, which have long posed a serious threat to native species across the country.
A Staggering Toll on Native Wildlife
The impact of feral cats on Australia’s wildlife is nothing short of devastating. According to estimates from the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage, these feline invaders are responsible for the deaths of a staggering 1.5 billion native animals nationally each year. This figure underscores the urgent need for effective control measures to protect vulnerable species.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has reported an alarming increase in native animal deaths, particularly in central and western NSW. With an estimated 6.3 million feral cats roaming across Australia, the threat to biodiversity is both immediate and severe.
Specialist Ground Shooting Team
To combat this growing menace, the NSW government is taking an unprecedented step: recruiting a team of expert shooters dedicated solely to feral cat control. This specialist team, a first of its kind in the state, will be based in either Dubbo, Bourke, or Broken Hill, strategically positioned to target feral cat populations in national parks throughout western NSW.
Why Ground Shooting?
The decision to employ ground shooting as the primary control method is based on several factors:
- The terrain in western NSW offers better visibility compared to the densely forested areas along the east coast. This open landscape increases the effectiveness of ground shooting operations.
- Cats are notoriously stealthy and intelligent, often evading traditional trapping methods. Ground shooting provides a more direct and potentially more effective approach to control.
- While ground shooting will be the focus, it will be used in conjunction with other control measures such as baiting, trapping, and emerging AI tools to maximize impact.
Humane and Targeted
The NPWS emphasizes that this program will adhere to strict ethical standards:
- Shooters undergo rigorous training and follow best-practice protocols to ensure humane culling.
- High-quality, appropriate equipment is used for the task.
- Strict guidelines prohibit shooting unless the target area is clearly visible and a rapid death can be assured.
Species at Risk: Who Benefits from Feral Cat Control?
The implementation of this program aims to protect a wide range of native species that have been particularly vulnerable to feral cat predation.
- Dusky mice
- Smaller yellow-footed rock wallabies
- Ground-nesting birds like the plains wanderer
- Reptiles such as the endangered Barrier Range dragon
- Various native rat species
The Bigger Picture – Conservation and Ecosystem Balance
While the complete eradication of feral cats is not feasible, keeping their numbers as low as possible is key for the conservation of native wildlife. The NPWS notes that feral cats must catch and kill prey for every meal, with a single cat capable of killing around 700 small mammals, birds, and reptiles in a year.
- Strategic baiting operations
- Use of camera traps to collect data on feral cat activity
- Targeted interventions in areas with increased cat presence or vulnerable native species
Pet Owners, Take Note: Responsible Ownership is Key
While the program specifically targets feral cats in national parks, it raises important points about responsible pet ownership:
- Pet cats should never be allowed in national parks.
- Even well-fed domestic cats have a hunting instinct and can harm native wildlife.
- The NPWS warns that any cat found in a national park, unless clearly identifiable as a pet, could be at risk.
Looking Ahead: A Two-Year Trial with Potential for Expansion
This groundbreaking program is initially set for a two-year trial period, focusing on national parks in western NSW. If successful, there’s potential for expansion to other areas, signaling a new era in feral cat management across the state.
As Australia continues to grapple with the environmental challenges posed by invasive species, this innovative approach by the NSW government offers a glimmer of hope for the protection and preservation of the country’s unique and precious native wildlife.
