KING ISLAND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GROUP
Invasive Species Management
King Island Cat Management Plan 2008 – 2013
Prepared by Mark Branson (King Island Natural Resource Management Group Inc.)
(KINRMG) as a component of the 2007-2008 Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema
chrysogaster) Habitat Management and Restoration Project.
Published by King Island Natural Resource Management Group Inc.
© King Island Natural Resource Management Group Inc.
This work is copyright. It may be reproduced for study, research or training purposes
subject to an acknowledgement of the sources. It may not be reproduced for commercial
usage or sale. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be
addressed to the Chairman, King Island Natural Resource Management Group, Currie.
Citation:
Branson, M.J., 2008, The King Island Cat Management Plan 2008 – 2013, King Island
Natural Resource Management Group Inc., Currie.
Cover Photos: Left to right: Felis catus courtesy of Yarra City Council, Sterna nereis
courtesy of Jon Thornton Photography, King Island coast line courtesy of Mark Branson
Acknowledgements
A number of community members provided valuable contributions to the
development of this plan.
Lauren Barrow and Glen Ewers provided valuable comments on earlier drafts.
Abbreviations
DEWHA
DPIW
EPBC
IUCN
KIC
KIGBA
KINRM
KTP
PWS
TCMN
TFGA
TSP 1995
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Department of Primary Industries and Water
Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999
International Union for the Conservation of Nature
King Island Council
King Island Game Birds Association
King Island Natural Resource Management Group Inc.
Key Threatening Process
Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania
Tasmanian Cat Management Network
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Asssociation
Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995
King Island Cat Management Plan
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SUMMARY
The purpose of this plan is to identify and prioritise on-ground actions and future
research projects that relate to the management of domestic and feral cat populations
on King Island. It will address responsible cat ownership and the impacts of feral and
stray cats on the Island's environmental, social and economic values. The document
will assist the King Island community in adapting to upcoming changes in Tasmanian
legislation regarding cat management.
The plan will build on existing cat management projects, identify future management
directions, assist future funding applications and encourage the cooperation of local
organizations in cat management across the Island.
Actions and outcomes should be monitored and evaluated at regular intervals. The
plan should be re-drafted in 2013.
A clear definition is made between domestic, stray and feral cats.
"Domestic cats are those owned by an individual, a household, a business or corporation.
Most of their needs are supplied by their owners.
Stray cats are those found in and around cities, towns and rural properties. They may
depend on some resources provided by humans, but are not owned.
Feral cats are those that live and reproduce in the wild, eg. forests, woodlands, grasslands
and wetlands, and survive by hunting or scavenging. None of their needs are satisfied
intentionally by people." (Anon 1999)
The plan encourages structured protection for domestic cats and responsible cat
owners. This approach allows the effective management of stray and feral cat
populations without adversely affecting residents and their companions. It follows the
primary principle that responsible ownership of domestic cats will reduce the release
of stray and feral cats into the wild. This will enable feral and stray cat management
to be implemented in the absence of a source population.
King Island Cat Management Plan
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CONTENTS
Acknowledgements ................................................................................................ 2
Abbreviations ......................................................................................................... 2
Summary .................................................................................................................... 3
Contents ..................................................................................................................... 4
1
Introduction ........................................................................................................ 5
2
Past and current Strategies and activities ........................................................... 6
2.1
Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by Feral Cats .................................. 6
2.2
Trapping on Crown Land ........................................................................... 6
2.3
Trapping on Private Property ..................................................................... 6
2.4
KINRMG Cat Control Program 2005-2006 .............................................. 6
2.5
Dietary Analysis......................................................................................... 7
2.6
De-sexing programs ................................................................................... 7
2.7
Cat Management in Tasmania ................................................................... 7
2.8
Tasmanian Cat Management Network (TCMN) ....................................... 8
3. Responsible Ownership ..................................................................................... 8
3.1 Threat Abatement Plan for Feral Cats ............................................................. 8
3.2 Draft Cat Management By-Law....................................................................... 9
4. Economic and Social Impacts of Cats ............................................................... 9
4.1
Toxoplasmosis ........................................................................................... 9
4.2
Ecotourism ................................................................................................. 9
4.3
Hunting .................................................................................................... 10
4.4
Major stakeholders ................................................................................... 10
5. Other Issues ...................................................................................................... 10
5.1
Mesopredator Release .............................................................................. 10
6. Proposed Management Actions ....................................................................... 10
6.1
Priority species ......................................................................................... 10
6.2
Priority areas ............................................................................................ 11
6.3
Priority Objectives and Actions ............................................................... 13
7. Research and Management Contacts ............................................................... 14
8. References ........................................................................................................ 16
King Island Cat Management Plan
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1
INTRODUCTION
The cat (Felis catus) is an introduced species to Australia. It is unclear when the cat was
first introduced to King island, however it is likely that the species has been present as a
domestic animal since settlement in the 1800s and as a feral animal soon after (Barrow
2008).
Predation by feral cats is listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the
Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC 1999).
Predation by feral cats is recognised as a threat to eight species found on King Island that
are listed as threatened under the EPBC 1999 or the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection
Act 1995 (TSPA 1995). There is abundant and well described evidence that feral cats
have caused the decline and extinction of native animals on many islands (Anon 1999).
This process has been demonstrated by a number of dramatic species recoveries on
islands after the removal of feral cats (Dickman 1996).
King Island's biodiversity is valued on both a regional and national scale, supporting a
number of edge of range species and local endemics (REF). It's fauna has developed in
isolation from many of the predators found on mainland Australia and Tasmania. The
'cat-like' native Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maclatus maculatus) became extinct shortly
after European settlement and little is known about its ecological function on the Island
and impact on local populations of prey species.
Since settlement the Island has undergone significant environmental change. Currently
more than 70% of the Island has been cleared to support a prosperous beef and dairy
industry and the remaining remnant vegetation is an artifact of past clearing and burning.
Since European settlement eight vertebrate species, including five birds and three
mammals have disappeared from King Island, and at least four plant species are
presumed extinct (Donaghey 2003).
There are a number of animal species on King Island that are likely to be under
predatory pressure from feral, domestic and stray cat populations. Fauna listed under
State and Commonwealth legislation include the King Island Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza
pusilla archibaldi), King Island Scrubtit (Acanthornis magnus greenianus), Striped Marsh Frog
(Limnodynastes peroni), Southern Bell Frog (Litoria raniformis), Orange-bellied Parrot
(Neophema chrysogaster), King Island Green Rosella (Platycercus caledonicus brownii) Fairy Tern
(Sterna nereis) and Hooded Plover (Thinornis rubricollis) (Barrow 2008). Other species at risk
include breeding seabirds and shorebirds, Swamp Antechinus (Antechinus minimus),
Eastern Pygmy Possum (Cerarteus nanus) and Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus).
Cat eradication is currently not feasible on King Island and is not being considered as an
objective of this plan. King Island has a resident population of domestic cats, many of
whom are owned and managed responsibly. There is no evidence to suggest that feral
cats are present on Christmas, New Year and Councillor Islands. These islands have
dense breeding populations of Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuiorostris), Little
Penguin (Eudyptula minor), Fairy Prion (Pachyptila turtur) and listed threatened species
including Fairy Tern (Sterna nereis) (Brothers, Pemberton et al. 2001). Maintaining the catfree status of these islands should be a management priority, and eradication attempts
should be considered in the future if feral cats become established.
King Island Cat Management Plan
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The eradication of feral cats from islands has successfully been achieved on only 48
islands around throughout world since 1925 (Nogales, Martin et al. 2003). Only ten of
these campaigns were successful on islands greater than 10km2 in size. King Island has a
population of domestic cats that are and important to the lives of many residents. The
eradication of feral and stray cats from King Island is currently not practical nor
economically feasible.
2
PAST AND CURRENT STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
2.1
Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by Feral Cats
The Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by Feral Cats (Anon 1999) was developed
by leading Australian scientists for the federal government in 1999. It addresses the
evidence for and against the case of feral cat predation on wildlife, and recommends
actions for feral cat management on Australian islands.
Key objectives of the Threat Abatement Plan for feral cats that relate to King Island
and it’s off-shore islands are;

Improve knowledge and understanding of the impacts of feral cats on
endangered or vulnerable native animals and the interactions of feral cats with
other pest species (e.g. rats).

Effectively coordinate feral cat control activities.

Communicate the results of the threat abatement plan actions to management
agencies, landholders and the public.

Promote the recovery of species and ecological communities that are
endangered or vulnerable as a result of predation by feral cats.

Eradicate feral cats from islands where they are a threat to endangered or
vulnerable native animals.
2.2
Trapping on Crown Land
Targeted control of feral cats in State Reserves on has been undertaken by Tasmanian
Parks and Wildlife Services (PWS) officers.
2.3
Trapping on Private Property
Feral cat management of private property has been undertaken by landholders for a
number of years.
2.4
KINRMG Cat Control Program 2005-2006
In 2006 the KINRM ran the first fully funded King Island Cat Control Project to assess
the distribution and abundance of feral and stray cats on King Island.
In winter and spring 2006 121 feral cats were trapped and euthanased. Of these, six were
trapped in Sea Elephant Estuary, which is recognized as a wetland of international
significance under the Ramsar Convention, and is the primary habitat of the Orangebellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) on King Island and a number of other migratory
waders.
Sandpits were used to try and estimate the abundance and distribution of cats across the
island.Cat tracks were recorded in every habitat surveyed during the project including
coastal environments that provide nesting sites for threatened shorebird species
including the Hooded Plover (Thinornis rubricollis) and Fairy Tern (Sterna nereis).
King Island Cat Management Plan
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Research results suggested that cats are extremely common throughout King Island and
that in order to be effective, cat control will need to target specific areas of value, rather
than using broad-scale, low intensity approaches.
2.5
Dietary Analysis
A dietary analysis of feral and stray cats is currently being undertaken by Deakin
University inVictoria, using the stomaches of cats caught by local residents. Results
from the dietary analysis should help inform future feral cat control programs on the
island.
It is clear from the number of cats that are trapped and euthanased locally by Parks and
Wildlife, and from the investigations undertaken by the King Island Cat Control Program
(2006), that there is a significant feral cat population on King Island that has stemmed
from the domestic cat population .
2.6
De-sexing programs
Partially subsidized de-sexing was offered to King Island residents in 2006 as a
component of the King Island Cat Control Project (Abley 2006). Newspaper articles and
notices were placed in public areas of King Island to advertise the de-sexing program,
and a total of 31 cats were de-sexed by the local veterinarian. A brochure was developed
and distributed to all King Island households to inform cat owners of responsible
ownership principles and to educate the community about threats that feral cats pose to
native wildlife.
In 2007 and 2008, fully subsidized de-sexing was offered as part of the Orange-bellied
Parrot Habitat Restoration Program. Numerous advertisements were placed in the King
Island Courier, and every King Island household again received a responsible cat
ownership leaflet. An insert was placed in the leaflet indicating that the Tasmanian
Government was considering implementing cat management legislation, and that desexing would become mandatory in the coming years. The leaflet indicated that
subsidized de-sexing is available, and that it will not be offered after October 2008.
Approximately 55 cats were de-sexed during this project.
2.7
Cat Management in Tasmania
Until recently there has been no state-wide approach to cat management in Tasmania.
Some councils have developed by-laws under the Local Government Act 1993, to
implement voluntary registration and promote cat responsible ownership. Cats are
covered by the Animal Welfare Act 1993, and are entitled to the same duty of care and the
same protection from undue cruelty as other vertebrate animals in Tasmania.
The Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW) produced a position paper for
public consultation in August 2008 entitled “Cat Management in Tasmania” (Anon
2008). The paper outlines a proposal for cat management legislation to be implemented
across Tasmania.
The paper recognises the value of domestic cats as pets to Tasmanian residents, and that
responsible ownership is a duty of care. The paper also states that “all cats, whether
domestic, feral or stray, can pose a threat to Tasmanian native species in rural, bush and
urban environments” (Anon 2008). The paper outlines a number of strategic plans that
are to be implemented, pending public consultation, over the next four years.
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The Tasmanian Government proposes the following (Anon 2008):

That desexing and microchipping of domestic cats become mandatory, to be
phased in over four years.

That a register of cat breeders be developed and maintained.

That a legislation be implemented to underpin this approach and clarify the status
of individuals and organisations that trap or control feral cats on prvate and/or
public land.

That responsible cat ownership be promoted, including advice on what to do
with unwanted feral cats.
2.8
Tasmanian Cat Management Network (TCMN)
The TCMN is a group of agency and stakeholder representatives set up to develop
strategic cat control planning for Tasmania. In April 2008 the network met for the first
time to discuss and recommend management strategies to the DPIW Minister. The
following conclusions were reached:

An overarching cat management strategy or policy needs to be developed for
Tasmania before management of feral cats can become effective.

DPIW is preparing an options paper on possible cat management legislation.

A Statewide forum of all stakeholders needs to be held to progress a State policy.

Accurate cat impacts need to be determined at project planning stage –
demonstrate the threat and scope the project accordingly to avoid wasted effort.

Animal welfare issues are paramount – techniques used must comply with
approved standards.

The community needs to be brought on side through ongoing community
education and engagement.

Information about current best practice techniques needs to be collated and
readily available.

Provision of professional training required for anyone engaged in trapping and
control activities.

Data must be standardised and coordinated. A standard recording sheet needs to
be prepared for all cats trapped so information is consistent across the state.

The Natural Values Atlas should be used to record trapping data.

Carcasses should be frozen and sent to DPIW for investigation (gut analysis, age,
etc).

Annual surveys show that as Devil numbers decline, cat numbers are increasing.

Make use of opportunities for scientific research as an add-on to control activities
Toxicant and bait trials are currently being conducted on the mainland and may be ready
for broader application in 2 – 3 years.
3.
RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP
3.1 Threat Abatement Plan for Feral Cats
According to the threat abatement plan for predation by feral cats, published by
Environment Australia, the responsibility for manageing individual domestic cats
rests with the owner. Irresponsible cat owners, and those who feed unowned cats,
play a major role in maintaining populations of stray cats in urban and rural areas
(Anon 1999). Responsible management of the domestic cat population aims to
remove the source population of feral cats on King Island, and to enable easy
identification of owned from un-owned cats.
King Island Cat Management Plan
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3.2 Draft Cat Management By-Law
Direct means of achieving this are outlined in the Draft Cat Management By-Law
that was developed for King Island Council in August 2006. The Tasmanian
Government’s definition of responsible ownership means that:

The cat is permanently identified so that it can be distinguished as a domestic cat;

The cat is de-sexed to avoid producing unwanted kittens;

The cat’s dietary, health and housing needs, and it’s general care, are provided;

The cat is confined within the boundaries of the owner’s property;

Suitable boarding facilities are found when the cat’s owner is unable to attend to
the cat’s needs, such as while on holiday;

Unwanted kittens are surrendered to a vet or animal shelter, and are not
abandoned;

There is a duty of care to neighbours and the community; and

There is a duty of care to the environment
4.
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF CATS
Feral, stray and domestic cats pose a number of significant threats to the ecological,
economic and social values of King Island. Many of the ecological issues have been
addressed in the draft Multi-species Recovery Plan for King Island (Barrow 2008). In
addition, feral cats pose a number of social and economic threats to King Island.
4.1
Toxoplasmosis
Feral cats are the primary host for the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite
causes Toxoplasmosis, which infects muscle and nervous tissue in humans, native
wildlife and livestock.
Toxoplasmosis has been identified as a significant economic threat to agriculture in
Tasmania and elsewhere in Australia. Toxoplasmosis can cause abortion in sheep when
infection of pregnant ewes occurs, and infection of humans is possible through the
consumption of infected tissue (Anon 2005). Cats are the primary hosts of the protozoan
parasite, and are responsible for it’s transmission and spread. Toxoplasmosis represents a
significant and very real threat to sheep and goat farming on King Island, and as such the
control of feral cats is supported by the TFGA (Anon 2005).
Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in native wildlife include blindness, poor coordination,
respiratory problems and often death. This parasite has been identified as a possible
threat to the viability of Tasmanian Pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) on King Island
(Branson 2008). The disease has the potential to cause significant economic impact on
any future bennett’s wallaby meat industry on King Island.
4.2
Ecotourism
Ecotourism is becoming an increasingly popular and lucrative industry on King Island,
and the industry is dependant upon a healthy native environment. Specific tourist
activities that may be under threat from cat predation include penguin viewing and
birdwatching, particularly for burrowing seabirds, shorebirds and endemic Tasmanian
species. This plan has identified twelve animal species that are vulnerable to predation
from feral cats. Many of these species are endemic to King Island, and potentially
represent a resource for ecotourism ventures. This requires that species viability is
maintained through threat abatement, including feral and stray cat management actions.
King Island Cat Management Plan
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4.3
Hunting
Many visitors are attracted to King Island each year for the annual pheasant season, and
for duck hunting. Feral cats have been identified as a significant ‘problem’ by many local
pheasant breeders. Many cats have been trapped in an around pheasant pens which are
used to raise the stock to supplement wild pheasant populations. The pheasant season is
a lucrative annual event that is an icon of King Island for many interstate tourists.
4.4
Major stakeholders
This approach must be undertaken cooperatively by the relevant local stakeholder groups
including PWS, KIC, KINRM, DPIW and KIGBA. To approach these issues separately
would significantly increase the administration and implementation costs, and jeapordise
the success of outcomes.
5.
OTHER ISSUES
5.1
Mesopredator Release
Mesopredator release occurs when a top predator is removed from a food web, allowing
the prey of that species to increase in abundance. In cases where the prey is an
introduced predator such as the Pacific Rat, a decline in the native species of
conservation concern may actually be observed.
For example, on Little Barrier Island (New Zealand) a cat control program was
implemented to relieve the pressure of cat predation on Cook’s Petrel. However, when
cat numbers were reduced numbers of Pacific Rats on the island increased (presumably
as a result of reduced predation from cats). This caused a significant decline in breeding
success of Cook’s Petrel due to greater numbers of rats targeting petrel chicks. After a rat
control program was introduced, Cook’s Petrel breeding success eventually increased
(Rayner 2008).
Mesopredator release is an important consideration of any cat control strategy, and needs
to be investigated thoroughly. This requires the engagement of experienced researchers
and wildlife biologists. A number of organisations with expertise and experience in
management of cat populations on islands have been listed below. It is essential that
relationships be maintained with organisation such as these, in order to provide real longterm outcomes for feral cat management on King Island.
6.
PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
This section is divided into three parts:
5.1Priority Species for Management
5.2Priority Areas for Management
5.3Management Actions
6.1
Priority species
Vertebrate fauna identified as being of particular significance for management action
include threatened species, those with specific habitat requirements and those species
that are subject to a range of threatening processes.
Southern Bell Frog (Litoria raniformis)
This frog is only known from two locations on the island and has not been recorded for
more than seventeen years. The habitat of the species is subject to a range of threatening
King Island Cat Management Plan
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processes such as land clearing, trampling, browsing or grazing, weed invasion and
climate change.
Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster)
This threatened species has been identified because its habitat is subject to a number
of threats including, cat predation, trampling, kelping, weed invasion, climate change
and development. This species is listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act
1996.
King Island Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla archibaldi)
The King Island Brown Thornbill was thought to be extinct until 2002, when it was
recorded at Pegarah State Forest (Donaghey 2003). The species is identified as a priority
for management because its habitat is limited in extent and the location of current
populations is unknown. Extensive searches in 2003-2004 failed to find any birds (Anon
2008).
King Island Scrubtit (Acanthornis magnus greenianus)
This species has been identified as a priority for management because its habitat is
fragmented, limited in extent and subject to a range of threats including fire and weed
invasion.This species is listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act 1996.
Fairy Tern (Sternis nereis nereis)
Fairy Terns are listed as Vulnerable under the ICUN Red List and have been identified as
a management priority on King Island. Current estimates suggest that less than 220 pairs
breed on the island, they breed in popular coastal environments and are vulnerable to
disturbance, predation by introduced domestic and feral animals and climate change.
Endemic Bird Species
All other endemic bird species have been identified as priorities for management because
of their limited extent and vulnerability. These include the Green Rosella (Platycercus
caledonicus brownii); Yellow Wattle Bird (Anthochaera paradoxa kingi), Dusky Robin
(Melanodryas vittata kingi), and Black Currawong (Strepera fuliginosa colei).
Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus), Swamp Antechinus (Antechinus minimus)
and Eastern Pygmy Possum (Cercartetus nanus).
These species has been included because they fall within the critical weight range for cat
predation (Dickman 1996), and they are ground-foraging or low-tree dwelling marsupials
with specific habitat requirements. These species are rare on King Island, and their extent
and distribution have not been thoroughly investigated.
6.2
Priority areas
A combination of urban and rural areas has been identified as priority areas for
management. Urban areas that support stray and feral cats help maintain the viability
of feral populations. Sites that provide food and shelter for cats also act as breeding
sites, increasing feral cat numbers across the island. Other areas have been identified
because they represent a significant biodiversity asset for King Island or are recognized
as critical habitat for threatened species (Barrow 2008).
King Island Dairy
Cat management should be undertaken at these sites to minimize the amount of
scavenge and shelter available to stray and feral cats, and to limit the health and safety
King Island Cat Management Plan
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threats posed by cats including the transmission of diseases such as Toxoplasmosis
(Toxoplasma gondii). Trapping and shooting should always be undertaken in
accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 1993, other relevant legislation and in
consultation with local residents.
Currie Waste Management Facility
See above.
Red Hut Road Abattoir
See above.
Main Abattoirs
See above.
The Nook and Colliers Swamp
The Meleleuca ericifolia swamp forests within the Nook and Colliers Swamp are listed as
threatened under the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002. The swamp forest provides
potential habitat for three fauna species listed under the EPBCA 1999 and TSPA 1995
King Island Scrubtit (Acanthornis magnunines greenianus), Southern Bellfrog (Litoria
reniformis) and Striped Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes peroni).
Pegarah State Forest
This area of State Forest is listed as high priority because it supports the largest
remaining remnant of Eucalyptus globulus King Island Forest (WGK) community on the
island and is the only patch of forest that has the full complement of breeding forest
birds (Donaghey 2003).
Sea Elephant and Yellow Rock Estuaries
These estuaries are listed as high priority because they are the only estuary ecosystems on
the island, represent critical habitat for the Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster)
listed under the EPBCA 1999 and TSPA 1995. The mouths of the estuaries support
breeding populations of the Fairy Tern listed as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN
Red List. Cats are known to occur in Sea Elephant Estuary.
Lake Flannigan
Lake Flannigan has been identified as a management priority because is provides critical
habitat for two fauna species listed under the EPBCA 1999 and TSPA 1995, the
Southern Bell Frog (Litoria reniformis) and Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster).
Lake Flannigan also supports an abundance of shorebirds and waterfowl potentially
threatened by cat predation.
Bungaree Lagoon and Muddy Lagoon
Bungaree Lagoon is recognised as a management priority because it supports a large
stand of healthy Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest and is potentially critical habitat for fauna
listed under the EPBCA 1999 and TSPA 1995, including the Southern Hairy Red Snail
(Austrochloritis victoriae) and Southern Bell Frog (Litoria raniformis).
Christmas, New Year and Councillor Islands
These islands are identified as management priorities because they support significant
Short-tailed shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris) and little penguin (Eudyptula minor) colonies,
and breeding sites of Fairy Prion (Pachyptila turtur) and Fairy Terns (Sterna nereis nereis) that
King Island Cat Management Plan
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are listed on the ICUN Red List. The islands do not appear to have a resident cat
population, and therefore represent an ooporunity to maintain their cat-free status.
Efforts should be maintained to ensure that cats do not establish on the islands.
6.3
Priority Objectives and Actions
Objectives and actions are outlined below. Actions are listed in order of priority at the
time this plan was developed. This should be considered as a guide only and priorities
may vary depending on resource and funding availability.
Objective 1: Ensure King Island is well placed to receive funding, research
projects and additional support from State and National groups involved in cat
management
Action 1.1 Develop working relationships with other state organizations and groups involved in Cat
Management.
Task:
1.1.1. Maintain correspondence with the Tasmanian Cat Management Network,
electing a local representative to disseminate information to the KINRM, PWS and King
Island Council (KIC).
1.1.2. Initiate relationships with agencies and institutions with experience in cat
management to provide strategic advice for cat management, particularly in relation to
feral cats.
1.2.3. Maintain local involvement in cat management, including research into predatory
impacts of cats on vulnerable populations
Objective 2: Improve responsible cat ownership
The responsibility for manageing individual domestic cats should rests with the owner.
Irresponsible cat owners, and those who feed unowned cats, play a major role in
maintaining populations of stray cats in urban and rural areas (Anon 1999). Responsible
management of the domestic cat population aims to remove the source population of
feral cats on King Island, and to enable easy identification of owned from un-owned cats.
Action 2.1: Adopt a local By-law supporting responsible cat ownership
Task:
Further develop the King Island Cat Management By-law to reflect the capacity of the
anticipated Cat Management legislation for Tasmania.
Objectives of the Draft Cat Management By-Law that was developed for King Island
Council in August 2006 include ensuring that:

The cat is permanently identified so that it can be distinguished as a domestic cat;

The cat is de-sexed to avoid producing unwanted kittens;

The cat’s dietary, health and housing needs, and it’s general care, are provided;

The cat is confined within the boundaries of the owner’s property;

Suitable boarding facilities are found when the cat’s owner is unable to attend to
the cat’s needs, such as while on holiday;

Unwanted kittens are surrendered to a vet or animal shelter, and are not
abandoned;

There is a duty of care to neighbors and the community; and

There is a duty of care to the environment.
King Island Cat Management Plan
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Implement and enforce a restriction on the import of live cats, with the aim of ensuring
that new cat arrivals are de-sexed or registered as breeding stock at a registered local
cattery, to comply with the upcoming Tasmanian cat management legislation
Objective 3: Improve our understanding of the impacts of feral cats on native
wildlife.
Action 3.1: Undertake a dietary study of feral cats
Task:
Facilitate a dietary analysis of feral cat diets with support from Deakin University and
Cradle Coast NRM.
Utilise evidence gained from cat dietary studies and relevant scientific literature to direct
targeted feral cat management for ecologically sensitive areas.
Objective 4: Improve community understanding on the impacts of feral, domestic
and stray cats on native wildlife
Action 4.1: Enhance the education of local residents and agencies
Task:
Engage experts to provide training and advice in responsible cat ownership, animal
welfare and the complex issues associated with feral cat management.
Objective 5: Protect habitat of vulnerable species
Action 5.1; Undertake targeted trapping of feral and stray cats at key sites
Task:
Establish a local cat working group to oversee the implementation and management of
targeted cat trapping efforts. This effort should be based on information gathered
through the dietary analysis and other sources to ensure that objectives of the trapping
are met.
Action 5.2; engage experience cat trappers from locally and abroad
Task:
Hold workshops locally to educate locals on best practice trapping, and of the legal issues
relevant to feral and stray cat trapping and hunting. This will ensure a well educated, best
practice trapping approach on the island.
7.
RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT CONTACTS
Don Thompson
Convenor - Tasmanian Cat Management Network
Australian Government NRM Facilitator - Biodiversity
GPO Box 44
Hobart Tasmania 7001
Phone: (03) 6233 3521
Mob: 0438 207 048
Fax: (03) 6233 8492
Email: Don.Thompson@nht.tas.gov.au
Sue Robinson
Biologist
Wildlife Management Branch
Department of Primary Industries and Water
King Island Cat Management Plan
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Level 3, Lands Building
134 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7001
Phone: (03) 62 336609
Mob: 0429 418841
Fax: (03) 62 333477
Email: sue.robinson@dpiw.tas.gov.au
Dr Chris Wilcox
Stream leader
CSIRO Marine & Atmospheric Research
Wealth from Oceans Flagship
Phone: (61 3 6232 5306)
Alt Phone: (61 3 6232 5222)
Fax: (61 3 6232 5000)
Email: Chris.Wilcox@csiro.au
Dr Desley Whisson
Lecturer in Wildlife and Conservation Biology
Deakin University
221 Burwood Hwy
Burwood, Victoria, 3125
Phone: +61 3 9251 7302
Fax: +61 3 9251 7626
King Island Cat Management Plan
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8.
REFERENCES
Abley, A. (2006). TSN Community Grant Final Report - King Island Cat Control
Project, King Island Natural Resource Management Group.
Anon (1999). Threat abatement plan for predation by feral cats. Canberra,
Environment Australia.
Anon (1999). Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by Feral Cats. Canberra,
Biodiversity Group, Environment Australia.
Anon. (2005). "Feral Cat Management Policy." from
http://www.tfga.com.au/pages/ag_policies/feral_cat.htm.
Anon. (2008). "Game Bird Management Branch, Department of Primary Industries
and Water." Retrieved 1 May, 2008, from
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/ThemeNodes/LBUN-67G7UG?open.
Anon (2008). Species Information Sheet. Canberra, Department of Environment and
Heritage.
Barrow, L. (2008). Draft National Recovery Plan for King Island 2008-2013, King
Island Natural Resource Management Group.
Branson, M. (2008). Nocturnal population estimates of bennett’s wallaby (Macropus
rufogriseus), tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) and brushtail possum
(Trichosurus vulpecula) in pasture on King Island, Tasmania. Currie, King Island
Natural Resource Management Group Inc.
Brothers, N., D. Pemberton, et al. (2001). Tasmania's Offshore Islands: Seabirds and
other natural features. Hobart, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
Dickman, C. (1996). Overview of the impacts of feral cats on Australian native fauna.
Canberra, Australian Nature Conservation Agency.
Dickman, C. R. (1996). Overview of the impacts of feral cats on Australian native
fauna. Canberra, Australian Nature Conservation Agency.
Donaghey, R., Ed. (2003). The Fauna of King Island. A guide to identification and
conservation management. Currie, King Island, King Island Natural Resource
Management Group.
Nogales, M., A. Martin, et al. (2003). "A review of feral cat eradication on islands."
Conservation Biology 18(2): 2004.
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