The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) estimated that there are about 15 million feral cats in Australia; which in many cases are “domestic cats which have escaped and over one or two generations morphed into a far more savage beast”, says Mr. Greg Hunt, the Environment Minister.
Each feral cat kills an average of 5 animals each night, including mammals, birds and reptiles. This totals an astonishing 75 million Native Australian animals killed each night. Though this is not seen, because it occurs at night, Greg Hunt has called for research into a virus to eradicate feral cats.
Research into a “safe and targeted form of biological control” has been endorsed by the government, which involves domestic cat owners immunizing their pets against the disease. Past examples of failed biological controls resulting in counter productiveness has raised safety standards, ensuring biological control procedures being safe and targeted.
Professor John Woinarski of the Charles Darwin University says that the introduction of a disease is a long-term solution, which will take 10 to 20 years. In the meantime, endangered Native Australian animal populations are decreasing, therefore, “stopgap” measures such as tall fences are recommended.
