Assessing Risks to Non-Target Species during Poison Baiting Programs for Feral Cats

摘要: Poison baiting is used frequently to reduce the impacts of pest species mammals on agricultural and biodiversity interests. However, may not be appropriate if non-target are at risk poisoning. Here we use a desktop decision tree approach assess risks vertebrate in Australia that arise from using poison baits developed control feral house cats (Felis catus). These presented form sausages with toxicant implanted bait medium within an acid-soluble polymer capsule (hard shell delivery vehicle, or HSDV) disintegrates after ingestion. Using criteria based body size, diet feeding behaviour, assessed 221 Australia's 3,769 native as likely consume cat-baits, 47 these ingest HSDVs too. Carnivorous marsupials were judged most both HSDVs, some large-bodied ground-active birds reptiles also consuming them. If relaxed, further 269 possibly able 343 HSDVs; consumers birds. One threatened species, Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) was definitely whereas five 21 rated possible consumers. Amphibia considered risk. We conclude Australian vertebrates would surface-laid during cat programs, significantly fewer exposed poisoning employed. susceptible should quantified field pen trials prior implementation program, minimized by applying times places where have little access.