Experimentally testing the response of feral cats and their prey to poison baiting

Abstract Context Feral cats, Felis catus, have caused the decline and extinction of many species worldwide, particularly on islands in Australia where native are generally naïve to threat this introduced predator. Effectively reducing cat populations protect wildlife is challenging because cats a cryptic nature, high reproductive rate strong reinvasion ability. Aims We experimentally tested response feral their prey an Eradicat® poison baiting program at conservation reserve. Methods Baits were distributed by hand along roads tracks every 50 m (~10 baits km?2). used camera traps monitor using repeated before–after, control–impact design over 6 years. also measured rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, activity sand pads small mammal reptile captures pitfall trapping. Key results Dynamic occupancy modelling showed only modest effects 2 years, with baited area decreasing from 54% 19% 2014 (–35%) 89% 63% 2017 (–26%). Baiting effectiveness was not related antecedent rainfall or availability. Bait availability reduced non-target interference; 73% 41 monitored removed species. found no evidence for persistent changes capture rates relative unbaited life project. Conclusions Relatively low density interference likely efficacy. Further testing refinement ground needed, including trialling higher densities and/or frequencies. Implications highlight key areas future research that should benefit management Australia, but worldwide threaten wildlife.