The debate around domestic cats and wild ecosystems is rising. Biologists, veterinarians, naturalists, and ecologists have long warned about the impact cats have on biodiversity. This influence is linked to the decline of numerous species and raises the risk to other wildlife.
Recently, when an exotic species designation made headlines in Poland, the Artemisan Foundation released findings from a study. The study shows a high presence of cats in ecologically valuable areas, highlighting the risk of predation and disease transmission mainly due to irresponsible ownership.
The existence of domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) in the wild has historically concerned wildlife managers worldwide. There is scientific evidence of negative effects on native fauna, and Artemisan has drawn attention to this issue.
Research conducted in Ciudad Real in 2021 indicates that domestic cats in the wild pose serious consequences. They affect the abundance of species they hunt and can spread diseases to humans and other animals, creating a perceived threat to native wildcats and the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus).
Example of the Iberian lynx. pixabay
In seven study areas spanning about 500 to 600 hectares, camera-trap censuses showed an average density of 1.5 cats per 100 hectares, with some locations exceeding 4 cats per 100 hectares.
Researchers documented 31 potential prey species among birds and mammals, including protected and endangered birds. The presence of domestic cats, wild cats, and the Iberian lynx was confirmed in two sites.
Attacks on endangered birds
These findings confirm that cats are present and numerous in ecologically valuable areas. Serious cases of cats roaming in wetlands and steppe regions where endangered birds are found have been identified, prompting rescue plans that require economic and humanitarian efforts, according to Artemisan.
During the study, 15 cats were captured to assess disease prevalence. Results showed that 78 percent of samples were positive for feline calcivirus, 50 percent for feline herpesvirus-1, and 36 percent for feline parvovirus. This indicates a carrier role for cats regarding diseases that can affect wild felines.
With evidence that wild cats and the Iberian lynx coexist in some areas, domestic cats pose a conservation threat, Artemisan notes.
Stray cat. Channel Plus
DNA analysis revealed that at least one cat ate hares and red-legged partridge. Since most study areas are prey reserves, cats pose a threat to small game species as well.
GPS tracking collars were placed on five cats to monitor movements through summer and part of autumn. The daily range averaged about 2 kilometers, with some days reaching up to 5 kilometers. Territories varied from a few hectares of wetland to more than 150 hectares in agricultural settings.
Eliminate cat colonies
Across the studied sites, the wildlife impact is attributed to irresponsible ownership or the presence of cat colonies. These colonies are said to pose a serious risk to wildlife and should be addressed based on observed consequences, according to the foundation.
This is a preliminary outline of recent policy proposals on animal protection. Critics, including scientists, experts, and environmental groups, have argued that overprotection of cat colonies worsens the problem.
Artemisan invites administrations to reflect on the current approach, noting that the objective is to chronicle and address an obvious problem that is increasingly voiced by many stakeholders.
The foundation advocates selective and effective management of cats in natural environments and emphasizes awareness campaigns to prevent irresponsible ownership, recognizing that the pet cat is also a victim in this dynamic.
Wild cat example. UCLM
The work aligns with biodiversity conservation efforts, supported by funds from regional authorities and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the Natura 2000 network, aiming to conserve and restore biodiversity.
The Artemisan Foundation is a private, non-profit organization focused on promoting the management and conservation of fauna and flora through research, communication, and advocacy. Its effort emphasizes sustainable use of game species to benefit ecosystems and rural communities.