Quantifying the threat posed by feral cats to Australian reptiles (2021-2023)
Funding
ARC Discovery project. Total amount $545,000. Project led by Monash University
Researchers/investigators
Associate Professor David Chapple (Monash University), Dr Katherine Moseby (UNSW), Associate Professor Dale Nimmo, Dr Tim Doherty (Deakin University) & Dr Alexandra Carthey (Macquarie University)
Research theme
Biodiversity Conservation
Description
This project aims to provide the first quantification of the impact of feral cats on Australian reptiles, the country’s most diverse vertebrate lineage.
It expects to provide crucial missing pieces of the puzzle by adopting an innovative behavioural approach to determine how cats hunt for lizards, and how lizards respond to cat predation risk.
The expected outcomes are an improved understanding of the capacity of native lizards to recognise cats as predators and respond appropriately, and a determination of the magnitude of threat that cats pose to native lizards.
Importantly, the study aims to trial management strategies to mitigate the impact of cat predation on native reptiles.
Outputs
Outcomes
The expected outcome is an improved understanding of the capacity of native lizards to recognise cats as predators.
Contact:
Associate professor Dale Nimmo
Albury-Wodonga campus
February 2021