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<p>Invasive alien species, particularly cats (<i>Felis catus</i>), are a leading cause of global biodiversity loss, especially in island ecosystems. On Martín García Island Reserve, unregulated cat populations were identified as a critical conservation challenge. To address this issue, an Integrated Cat Population Management Strategy (Cat-MaS) was implemented between 2018 and 2021 to reduce the number of free-roaming cats and mitigate their impacts on native wildlife. Our objectives were to (i) evaluate the effect of Cat-MaS on the abundance of free-roaming cats, (ii) assess post-implementation changes in the abundance of potentially affected native wildlife species, and (iii) evaluate community support for Cat-MaS among island residents. The strategy included a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program to control owned and unowned cats’ population growth, measures to regulate cat immigration and emigration, community engagement through workshops, and continuous monitoring of sighted cat populations and native fauna. All households were visited, and 52 surveys were conducted. A total of 69 cats were treated, one owned cat was recorded entering the island, 23 were adopted out to the mainland, and 48 unowned cats were found dead throughout the 4&#xa0;years of study. The combined owned and unowned cat population decreased by approximately 20%, as confirmed by Generalized Linear Mixed Models for sighted cats. Native populations of sand-dune lizard (<i>Liolaemus wiegmannii)</i> and nightjar birds (<i>Caprimulgus</i> spp.) showed an increase, while tegu lizard (<i>Salvator merianae)</i> showed no measurable response. Residents reported a significant perceived decrease in cat numbers, with 16 internal adoptions recorded, and over 90% of surveyed residents expressing support for program continuation. This study represents the first documented success in reducing free-roaming cat populations through non-lethal methods on a South America inhabited island, along with evidence of prey population recovery. These findings contribute to non-lethal cat management strategies development for inhabited islands worldwide.</p>

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Non-lethal management of Felis catus on a protected island: Outcomes of a successful ongoing socio-ecological strategy in Martín García Island Reserve, Argentina

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月12日

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  • Ian Barbe,
  • Lucía Inés Rodríguez-Planes,
  • María del Rosario Jacoby,
  • Andrea Szmelc,
  • Gloria Domínguez,
  • Nazareno Asín,
  • María Eugenia Cueto,
  • María Marcela Orozco

摘要

Invasive alien species, particularly cats (Felis catus), are a leading cause of global biodiversity loss, especially in island ecosystems. On Martín García Island Reserve, unregulated cat populations were identified as a critical conservation challenge. To address this issue, an Integrated Cat Population Management Strategy (Cat-MaS) was implemented between 2018 and 2021 to reduce the number of free-roaming cats and mitigate their impacts on native wildlife. Our objectives were to (i) evaluate the effect of Cat-MaS on the abundance of free-roaming cats, (ii) assess post-implementation changes in the abundance of potentially affected native wildlife species, and (iii) evaluate community support for Cat-MaS among island residents. The strategy included a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program to control owned and unowned cats’ population growth, measures to regulate cat immigration and emigration, community engagement through workshops, and continuous monitoring of sighted cat populations and native fauna. All households were visited, and 52 surveys were conducted. A total of 69 cats were treated, one owned cat was recorded entering the island, 23 were adopted out to the mainland, and 48 unowned cats were found dead throughout the 4 years of study. The combined owned and unowned cat population decreased by approximately 20%, as confirmed by Generalized Linear Mixed Models for sighted cats. Native populations of sand-dune lizard (Liolaemus wiegmannii) and nightjar birds (Caprimulgus spp.) showed an increase, while tegu lizard (Salvator merianae) showed no measurable response. Residents reported a significant perceived decrease in cat numbers, with 16 internal adoptions recorded, and over 90% of surveyed residents expressing support for program continuation. This study represents the first documented success in reducing free-roaming cat populations through non-lethal methods on a South America inhabited island, along with evidence of prey population recovery. These findings contribute to non-lethal cat management strategies development for inhabited islands worldwide.