Researchers have long been concerned about the effects of free-ranging domestic cats on biodiversity. A new study now supports the suspicion that many people’s favorite companions are responsible for the extinction of entire species.
For example, analysis of fecal samples shows that domestic cats are indiscriminate predators that eat essentially any type of animal they can catch at any life stage, a research team explains in the journal “Nature Communications.” Free-roaming cats are among the most problematic invasive species in the world.
The number of unreported cases of endangered species is likely high
The group led by Christopher Lepczyk from Auburn University (USA) included more than 500 studies in a meta-analysis. In total, more than 2,000 prey species are recorded worldwide. There are only a few analyzes from Africa and parts of Eurasia and South America. Furthermore, invertebrates are underrepresented because they can only be detected to a limited extent in fecal samples. The actual number of species is probably considerably higher.
Almost 20 percent of the species are on the red list
According to the researchers, the high proportion of endangered species is worrying. Cats have already been linked to the extinction of numerous species of birds, mammals and reptiles. 347 (17 percent) of the species recorded for the current study are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Not just a problem as a predator
Cats live on every continent except Antarctica and have been introduced to hundreds of islands, making them one of the most widespread species on Earth. And it’s not just their diet that threatens biodiversity: they transmit diseases to wildlife, and they also impact and displace countless species, as Lepczyk’s team explains.
More measures and initiatives are urgently needed to reduce the impact of feral cats. It is estimated that there are hundreds of millions of domestic cats worldwide.
Source: Krone
I am an experienced and passionate journalist with a strong track record in news website reporting. I specialize in technology coverage, breaking stories on the latest developments and trends from around the world. Working for Today Times Live has given me the opportunity to write thought-provoking pieces that have caught the attention of many readers.
