Local Biodiversity Strategy: - Shire of Kalamunda

4.3 Feral Animals
Feral animals are introduced animals that compete
with, predate upon and introduce diseases into
endemic local faunal populations. They can alter
the structure, density and floristic composition of
natural areas through grazing and soil disturbance
(Local Government Biodiversity Planning
Guidelines for the Perth Metropolitan Region,
2004).
The feral cat predates on many
native animals Photo: Greg Calvert
Feral animals likely to occur in the Shire of
Kalamunda include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Feral cats predate on local wildlife.
Photo taken by Greg Calvert
• House cat;
• Red Foxes;
• European Honey Bees;
• Black Rats;
• European Rabbits; and
• Rainbow Lorikeets.
Feral animal control is largely the responsibility of State Government although the
Shire has produced a checklist for domestic cat owners encouraging responsible pet
ownership. There is scope to investigate further controls with regard to domestic and
feral cats.
4.4 Habitat Fragmentation
Significant clearing of endemic
vegetation has taken place in the
Shire of Kalamunda as part of
ongoing urbanisation and
industrialisation processes. Clearing
has taken place on reserved land in
order to create recreational parks.
The remaining natural areas are now
fragmented across the landscape
which is especially apparent on the
Swan Coastal Plain.
Clearing for urbanisation can lead to loss of significant
natural areas. Photo taken by Karen Britza
Local Biodiversity Strategy Page 19