A scientific study led by two researchers from the National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC) in Madrid revealed that: The city of Madrid currently has at least 1,171 stray cat colonies in the censusyes, they are cat groups that are taken care of by the citizens, ensure the welfare of these animals and also create environmental problems.
According to this study, Wild birds and reptiles are victims of the proliferation of feral cat populations.Instinctively hunter, even if their food needs are met. This is why these felines have become a problem for urban biodiversity.
These researchers analyzed how the presence of these cat colonies affects wild birds. To do this, they used a parameter that is the flight distances of the birds.
The results were published in the journal Total Environmental Science. In short, what scientists have discovered is that Where large groups of stray cats exist, the birds flee longer distances than in urban areas where there are none.
Like this, recommends authors create limited spaces in cities where the presence of cats is not preferred to ensure coexistence between birds and felines, which is currently impossible.
Create cat-free zones
Riverbanks, parks and urban protected areas will be the most important places. experts recommend declaring them free of cat colonies.
The study focused on the flight distance of birds when approaching a human in standard conditions. “The fact that sooner or later a bird flies away when a person approaches us tells us about their fear,” explains MNCN researcher Mario Díaz.
“The less distance they’re fleeing, meaning if they let us get close, they’re less exposed to threats from predators and it’s easier for them to find food and breed,” she notes. .
For this business He analyzed the flight distances of 694 birds from 34 different species in the spring of 2021.It compares responses in areas with and without colonies of stray cats, according to an updated official map provided by Madrid City Council.
In areas with colonies of stray cats, CSIC scientists study in areas similar in terms of urban landscape, number of people, or food availability where there are areas with or without colonies nearby, the flight distance of the birds was 10% moreand there were birds 33% more height more than in areas where felines are not fed.
“The data collected confirms that cat colonies increase fear in birds, which will reduce their abundance. even without taking into account the direct effects of predation,” says Díaz. “One of the advantages of cities for birds is that they are home to few natural predators, such as birds of prey or carnivores. Wild cats take away this advantage, negatively affecting bird populations. In order for everyone to live together and maintain levels of urban biodiversity, it is necessary to provide areas where stray cat colonies are not established and where birds can develop their activities,” the researcher continues.
Cities with green spaces and higher levels of biodiversity contribute to improving the quality of life and well-being of their residents. Preferring the survival of some species over others is one of the effects of human intervention in nature.
Sometimes, this intervention improves the situation, but at other times, the CSIC states that “undesirable collateral effects occur.” This is what happens with retained types. pets that have become invasive when they are accidentally escaped or released into the wild. Something similar happens with overprotection of game genres like a mountain goat or a wild boar.
“Something similar happens in the case of stray cats in cities. We nurture them and support their expansion, but these dynamics also have implications for other species we have to analyze, and where appropriate we manage to ensure coexistence and their benefits to citizens,” Díaz concludes.
Contact the environment department:crisclimatica@prensaiberica.es
Source: Informacion
