Species richness and community composition of passerine birds in suburban Perth: is predation by pet cats the most important factor?

摘要: Using data from 57 sites across suburban Perth we tested the influence of Cat Density on species richness and community composition passerine birds as well presence/absence 15 common species. was not a significant predictor any dependent variables. Instead, declined with increasing Distance to Bushland Housing Density, but increased proportionately Size of, Nearest > 5ha. Together, these predictors explained approximately half variability in bird (adjusted R 2 for complete set = 0.414). Passerine significantly affected by to, >5ha. These environmental variables, especially appeared act principally their effect number small medium sized insectivores. Attempts predict passerines did yield clear results, although most likely predictor. While cat predation might be adjacent remnant bushland or other areas conservation significance, blaming cats issues long-established suburbs may scapegoat high residential densities, inappropriate landscaping at range scales poor bushland.