The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve: Final

FERAL CAT FELIS CATUS
Feral cat. Photo © M. Schulz
Occurrence in the Survey Area
Locally common. Cats may have increased in JKCR in recent
history (M. Jones pers. comm.). Cats were frequently detected
during the 2011 surveys, most often seen crossing roads at
night, with a kitten recorded on a camera trap on Surveyors
Creek Weir. Cats are commonly seen by staff and residents of
JKCR (I. Eddison pers. comm.). Cats are typically rarely
recorded by fauna survey teams as they are notoriously cryptic
and bury their faeces - hence the number sighted at JKCR is of
concern. It is possible that intensive fox baiting has led to a
“competitive release” of cats (meso-predator release – e.g.
Glen and Dickman 2005).
Regional Occurrence
Cats are common and widespread in the region (DECC 2007). The Blue Mountains Region pest
management strategy (DEC 2007) lists cats as being at medium densities within JKCR and at low
densities elsewhere within the Blue Mountains Region.
Impacts in the Survey Area
Predation by the feral cat is listed as a KTP under the TSC Act and the EPBC Act. Cats have been
implicated in the extinction and decline of many species of mammals and birds in Australia. Feral cats
are likely to depredate and disturb bats in roosts, small and medium-sized mammals, birds, frogs and
reptiles. They are capable of killing vertebrates up to two kilograms in weight but prefer smaller
species weighing less than 220 grams (Dickman 1996b). At JKCR the priority species most at risk
include the brush-tailed phascogale (which may have already succumbed and be locally extinct),
eastern horseshoe bats, eastern bentwing-bats, spotted-tailed quoll (through competition), squirrel
glider and the flame and scarlet robins. Brush-tailed rock-wallaby young at foot may be susceptible to
predation by cats. Within JKCR the cat is well established and many species vulnerable to cat
predation have already disappeared, including the long-nosed potoroo and bettong species – both of
which appear to be recent extinctions.
Management Considerations
Continue trapping program for feral cats, targeting areas where they are regularly sighted, the
brush-tailed rock-wallaby population and caves where bats roost.
Should a population of brush-tailed phascogale
be located, it will be the highest priority for cat
control as it will be in imminent danger of
extinction.
Should populations of the following presumed
locally extinct species be rediscovered they
should be a target for cat control: long-nosed
potoroo, red-necked pademelon, bettongs or
stuttering frog.
Wild dog and fox control may result in the
competitive release of cats and an increase in
numbers. Therefore tandem efforts to control
feral cats should take place.
Support a cross-tenure approach to feral cat
management through cooperation and
integration of programmes with neighbouring
landholders.
Encourage members of the public and staff to
report cat sightings made within the park and
enter sightings into Atlas of NSW Wildlife to
build a picture for management.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve 85