A recent review by the New South Wales (NSW) Natural Resource Commission has unveiled alarming findings regarding the impact of domestic cats on wildlife. The review, released on Monday, indicates that domestic cats in residential areas pose a significantly higher threat to wildlife compared to their feral counterparts in natural habitats. The predation rate of domestic cats is estimated to be 28 to 52 times greater than that of feral cats.
The comprehensive review, aimed at addressing the escalating issue of invasive species, identified cats, foxes, and approximately 340 types of weeds as major threats traversing the state. It highlighted the inadequacies in current pest control measures and pointed out the disjointed approach of regulators and researchers working in isolation.
The economic impact of invasive species has surged in recent decades, now costing at least NZ$2.05 billion annually. The review warns that changes in urban development, trade practices, agriculture, and climate conditions could exacerbate these costs, potentially reaching NZ$32.09 billion by 2030.
One of the critical findings of the commission’s interim report is the ineffectiveness of existing pet laws in mitigating the biosecurity risks associated with domestic cats. The review notes that while domestic cats are numerous and pose a significant threat to wildlife, current laws do not permit the lawful seizure of roaming cats or their removal to council pounds. Additionally, capturing cats in designated wildlife protection areas is permitted only “for the cat’s own protection.”
In response to these findings, the commission has recommended several measures to enhance pest management. It suggests allowing councils to implement cat containment and desexing policies and criticizes the current enforcement measures for invasive species. Since the overhaul of biosecurity laws in 2015, only two biosecurity directions for pest animal management have been issued.
To address these issues, the report advocates for the establishment of a dedicated central unit to support legal proceedings and improve regulatory oversight. It also underscores the need for better coordination between researchers, land managers, and the government, which has historically supported fragmented and short-term programs.
In a move to bolster biosecurity efforts, the NSW government has allocated a record NZ$1.022 billion to combat invasive species, with a focus on feral pigs and preventing the spread of invasive species from public lands. An independent biosecurity commissioner has also been appointed to strengthen the state’s resilience.
Other initiatives include a NZ$10 million program aimed at assisting landholders in managing invasive species and a review of policies for priority pest and weed species. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the report’s recommendations and ensuring that compliance measures are effective.
Consultation on the interim report is set to begin, with a final report expected by the end of the year.
Widespread Invasive Species in NSW:
Weeds (by spatial extent):
- 9% Paterson’s curse
- 5% Sweet briar, saffron thistle, lantana, horehound, prickly pear
- 4% Blackberry, African boxthorn, fireweed
Pest Animals (by spatial extent):
- 99% Red foxes
- 98% Feral cats
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