Episode Details

Feral cats are one of the biggest threats to Australia's native wildlife, having contributed to the extinction of at least 20 mammal species. In this interview, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy explains how researchers are tackling the problem through habitat restoration, targeted control programs and cutting-edge genetic research. The discussion also explores why Australia's wildlife is especially vulnerable to cats, the role of pet cats in wildlife decline, and why experts remain hopeful that many threatened species can recover. Paulien Roessink from SBS Dutch is speaking to Joey Clarke from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

In this interview, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy explains how researchers are tackling the problem of feral cats and their impact on native wildlife. These are the main points of the interview:

1. Feral cats are a major driver of Australia's extinction crisis
   Cats have spread across more than 99% of Australia and have played a significant role in the extinction of at least 20 native mammal species, contributing to Australia's record as the world's worst country for mammal extinctions.
2. Cats have a broader impact than foxes
   While foxes are also a serious threat, cats occupy a much larger range across Australia, including areas where foxes are absent. Together, cats and foxes have devastated populations of small and medium-sized native mammals such as bandicoots, bettongs and hopping mice.
3. Researchers are testing multiple ways to control feral cats
   The Australian Wildlife Conservancy is combining traditional methods such as fenced wildlife sanctuaries, baiting, trapping and shooting with habitat management strategies, including improved fire regimes and removing feral herbivores to make landscapes safer for native species.
4. Genetic research could offer a future breakthrough
   In partnership with CSIRO, researchers are mapping feral cat genomes to better understand population movements and explore the long-term possibility of genetic biocontrol technologies that could reduce cat populations over generations.
5. Protecting wildlife and pets can go hand in hand
   The interview highlights that free-roaming domestic cats also have a significant impact on wildlife. Keeping pet cats contained not only protects native animals but can also safeguard cats from threats such as bird flu and other environmental risks.