Groot, Hilbert, de (2022) Predicting spatial densities of feral cats on the island of Schiermonnikoog using spatially explicit capture recapture. Master's Research Project 2, Ecology and Evolution.
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Abstract
Introduced feral domestic cats (Felis catus) can have large negative impacts on local wildlife, both directly and indirectly, especially on island populations. Successful eradication of feral cats (from islands) requires them to encounter traps, hunters or poison, and thus information on their spatial distribution and population sizes are essential. In a camera trapping study, I studied feral cat spatial distribution and population sizes on the Dutch barrier island of Schiermonnikoog using spatially explicit capture recapture (SECR) methods. I used two different identification methods, and five different ecological predictors for cat presence. In total, around 47-51 cats inhabit the island, and concentration was highest around 3000m from the village. The ecological explanations for these results, failed results, as well as suggestions for future research are discussed. In conclusion, the feral cat population on Schiermonnikoog appeared to be relatively stable, with distance to village being the best spatial density predictor, but many interesting avenues for future research still remain.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Research Project 2) |
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| Supervisor name: | Smit, C. and Swankhuisen, E. |
| Degree programme: | Ecology and Evolution |
| Thesis type: | Master's Research Project 2 |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 27 Sep 2022 13:41 |
| Last Modified: | 27 Sep 2022 13:41 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/28762 |
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