Estimating feral cat densities using distance sampling in an urban environment

Abstract

Synthesis and applications Estimating feral cat population densities in urban environments can be difficult due to lack of public space and human interference. The purpose of this study was to use distance sampling in a citywide landscape to determine population size and areas of high abundance to inform trap–neuter–release management. Line transect distance sampling was used to estimate density of the feral cat population in Windsor, Ontario from June to July 2014. Windsor has a human population of 217,188 and is about 146 km2 in size. Most transects were placed along local roads. Density was estimated at about 13.3 (95% CI 9.7–18.1) cats per km2, and an estimated population size of 1,858 cats (95% CI 1,361–2,537) cats with the highest relative density occurring in West and Central Windsor. Urban wildlife managers could utilize these methods to monitor feral cat populations and evaluate the effectiveness of trap–neuter–release programs.

Counting Cats: The integration of expert and citizen science data for unbiased inference of population abundance

“…Although identifying unowned domestic cats is valuable for management purposes, their identical physiologies to owned cats means accurate identification is a challenge for local residents (McDonald & Clements, 2019). Traditional wildlife monitoring approaches are also unable to differentiate between these key cat subgroups (Elizondo & Loss, 2016;Flockhart et al, 2016;Hand, 2019), and researchers rarely have access to private spaces in built-up areas (Hand, 2019;Kilgour et al, 2017). Consequently, a community engagement approach is needed to improve accessibility.…”

“…Determining the number of unowned cats in urban areas is difficult in part because of problems accurately distinguishing owned from unowned cats. Indeed, many research studies in urban areas focus on free-ranging cat populations due to an inability to differentiate between cat subgroups (Elizondo & Loss, 2016;Flockhart et al, 2016;Hand, 2019). A further problem, in these urban areas, is the inability of researchers to access private locations such as those behind residential properties and businesses (Hand, 2019;Kilgour et al, 2017).…”

“…Indeed, many research studies in urban areas focus on free-ranging cat populations due to an inability to differentiate between cat subgroups (Elizondo & Loss, 2016;Flockhart et al, 2016;Hand, 2019). A further problem, in these urban areas, is the inability of researchers to access private locations such as those behind residential properties and businesses (Hand, 2019;Kilgour et al, 2017). Citizen science approaches have the potential to provide information on abundance from otherwise inaccessible locations; however, the key difficulty of accurate differentiation between owned and unowned cats remains.…”

Kontrol Populasi Dengan Kegiatan Sterilisasi Kucing Liar Di Lingkungan Unpad

“…Asumsi kepadatan populasi yaitu luas area kampus UNPAD Jatinangor dibagi dengan estimasi jumlah kucing, diperkirakan yaitu 1,4 atau sekitar 1-2 ekor kucing per km². Jumlah ini belum dikategorikan padat, berdasarkan perhitungan pada lokasi dan penelitian lain yang menunjukkan kepadatan populasi hingga 13, 3 (Hand, 2018).…”

Killing with compassion for the sake of conservation: response to Lynn et al. 2019

“…2017); estimates range from 0.27 to 13.3 cats/km 2 (Legge et al. 2017; Hand 2019). These anthropogenic cat densities generate predation rates with depensatory effects on low‐density wild prey (a common attribute of most threatened species) that can lead to extinction (Holt 1977).…”