2011 selected animal shelter statistics Maddie's Fund

Data from selected U.S. animal shelters for the year 2011 has just been added to the Maddie's Fund online database. I note on my Statewide Animal Shelter Statistics webpage that in July 2011 Maddie's Fund first placed online some data for 2008 and 2009 from selected areas around the nation, then added year 2010 data in November 2012.

Gender Perceptions and Free-Ranging Cat Predation

University of North Texas > Honors College > UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS DAY
April 18, 2013

[excerpt]

Jonathan Dombrosky, Department of Anthropology, College of Public Affairs and Community Service; Honors
College
Faculty Mentor: Steve Wolverton, Department of Geography, College of Arts and Sciences

Title: Gender Perceptions and the Free-Ranging Cat (Felis catus) Predation

Managing the impact of feral cat predation on native wildlife is a polarizing issue. Conservation biologists largely
support domestic cat euthanasia to mitigate impacts on biodiversity. Animal welfare activists support the humane
treatment of feral cats and wholly object to euthanasia. Clearly, this issue is values laden and both sides of the debate
must be taken seriously in hopes to create an effective and well-informed solution. The goal of this project is to
understand how science-oriented information affects student perceptions of this issue in order to lead to an effective
discourse between the sides of this argument. Here, the difference between how men and women perceive this issue is
explored. Stereotypically, females are thought to have a higher affinity for cats (i.e., the crazy cat lady). These data
suggest that the persistence of this stereotype might be maladaptive to the conservationist agenda.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

previous Feral Cat Blog! post:
Monday, February 27, 2012
UNT Student Perception of Feral Cats and Their Effects on Wildlife > April 2012 Ethnobiology Conference

Global Analysis of Feral and Domestic Cat Predation in Continental and Insular Environments - House, Lindner, Lepczyk

More in the continuing quest of those opposed to freeroaming cats and Trap Neuter Return to provide "evidence"!

25TH ANNUAL CTAHR and COE
STUDENT RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
April 12, 2013

[excerpt]

(88) A Global Analysis of Feral and Domestic Cat Predation in Continental and Insular Environments.
D.R. House*, J.E. Lindner*, C.A. Lepczyk. Department of Natural
Resources and Environmental Management.

Feral and domestic cats are known predators of an extensive variety of species and have been linked to their extinction and decline throughout the globe. However, there is a lack of any synthesis on all the species that cats depredate, which is needed in order to improve conservation and management. The objective of this analysis is to identify, collect, and classify data from studies that reference cat prey items. Data was compiled from journal articles, books, and theses into a database. Prey items were classified by taxonomy, location, research method, and when data was sampled. We identified 198 studies that contained datum on cat prey items. Cats in 184 locations, depredated a total of 898 different species with birds comprising the most number of unique species (422), followed by mammals (221), and reptiles (182). Cats also depredated invertebrate animals, but to a much lower extent. The cat’s generalist predatory habits are shown through the variety of individual prey species in this study. Wildlife management must adapt in order to control such feeding behaviors and to avoid possible cat related prey population declines.

also presented at


38th Annual Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium
University of Hawaii Manoa
April 17 - 19, 2013

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

another cat-related presentation at both venues:

Toxoplasmosis detection in the environment from naturally infected cats in Hawai‘i
Alisa Davis
Co-authors: Susan E. Crow, Clifford W. Morden
(Advisor: Christopher A. Lepczyk)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

see previous Feral Cat Blog! posts on Lepczyk, Davis, cat predation, toxoplasmosis etc. - enter those keywords in search bar at top left of blog

Loyola Marymount University feral cat movement and behavior

Loyola Marymount University 5th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium
March 23, 2013

[excerpt]

Understanding the Effect of Feral Cats on Loyola Marymount University’s Campus Using Remote Sensing Cameras
Orlando Chirikian, Leslie Griffin, Lena Hunt, Mark Lee, Laura Terada

In many urban ecosystems, feral cats have become an important species though little is yet known about the structure and impact of their colonies. In order to add to the information pool regarding this ecological issue, we examined the dynamics of the colony present on Loyola Marymount University’s campus. The presence of the feral cat colony feeding stations on LMU's campus affects the localecosystem through residual food that encourages additional animals onto campus. Game cameras wereplaced at feral cat feeding stations to identify both the presence of non-target species (possums, raccoons, coyotes, or foxes) at the feeding sites on the campus and the complex social structure of the feral cat colony. The study is still ongoing, however, the presented data will be comprised of these photos that reveal the feeding nature of feral cats, the social structure of the colonies, and the “nontarget” species affected by feeding stations. We will also have an average of sightings of cats and “nontarget” species based on the presence/absence data from the photos. We will use these photos to update an ongoing feral cat “mugbook” comprised of photos and descriptions of each cat. This will be used as a census tool that will contribute to a long-term study of the on campus cats leading to a deeper understanding of feral cat colonies as a whole.

Leslie Griffin - Environmental Science,Studio Arts & Biology
Orlando Chirikian, Lena Hunt, Mark Lee, Laura Terada - Biology
Peter Auger - Environmental Science
Eric Strauss - Environmental Science

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Climate Change in Urban Estuaries Symposium: Proceedings Document
Co-hosted by: Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission
Center for Urban Resilience

March 25, 2013
Loyola Marymount University

[excerpt]

UNDERSTANDING FERAL CAT MOVEMENT AND BEHAVIOR IN PALOS VERDES USING REMOTE SENSING CAMERAS AND RADIO TELEMETRY
Courtney McCammon 1, Dr. Eric Strauss 1, and Dr. Pete Auger 1
1. Loyola Marymount University

Feral cats are considered one of the greatest anthropogenic causes of bird and mammal mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a resident feral cat colony by using motion sensing cameras and radio-telemetry technology at a beach in Palos Verdes. Game cameras are placed on or around game trails from the beach and inside cat housing structures. Pictures are analyzed to distinguish non-target species at the feeding stations. Additionally, radio-tracking collars are placed on 10 cats to monitor their location for approximately two months at a time. Based on the collected data, cat ranges and "hot spots" are determined. The results from the study yield information about feral cat range size and hunting area. In addition, the results provide information about additional animals affected by feral cat colonies, such as birds and small mammals.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Final Cat Presentation by Courtney McCammon on Prezi
Final CIVL Research Presentation
by Courtney McCammon on 30 April 2013

[excerpt]

Understanding Outdoor Cat Movement and Behavior at Loyola Marymount University Using Remote Sensing Cameras
Courtney McCammon, Research Assistant
Advisors: Drs. Eric Strauss & Pete Auger
Observer: Lena Hunt Xavier Hall

The collected images provided us with the data necessary to quantify cat and “non-target” species sightings based on the presence/absence data from the photos This helped us to determine the best cat management plan for the LMU colony and possible directions for future study.

Feral Cat Lit Review by Courtney McCammon on Prezi

economic valuations of biodiversity: birds

Saved this on March 30, 2013, gettin' it posted now!

Commentary on economic valuations of biodiversity
Walter Lamb

Received 23 June 2011
Revised 23 February 2013
Accepted 25 February 2013
Available online 25 March 2013

Abstract

Our planet's biodiversity is in steep decline. Assigning economic values to the impacts of this decline can be very useful in overcoming economic-based objections to sustainable policies at all levels of government. However, economic valuations that are not based on sound scientific analysis threaten to undermine the credibility of ecological valuations in general and could also lead policy makers to misallocate the limited resources available for conservation efforts. Researchers at Cornell University have introduced a valuation into several peer-reviewed journals that asserts that each individual bird in the United States has an average economic value of $30, and they use this valuation to estimate the economic impact of various causes of bird mortality. The $30 valuation is explained with a single sentence that lacks any discernible scientific analysis and can at best be considered a symbolic valuation. While this valuation garnered widespread media attention, it creates a dangerous precedent and could ultimately do more harm than good to native bird populations. As such, further discussion of the role of symbolic valuations in the scientific literature is warranted.

Keywords
Bird mortality;
Economic impact;
Feral cats;
Invasive species

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

previous related Feral Cat Blog! posts:

Walter Lamb:
Outdoor Cat Conference Reactions

Pimentel etc.:
Economic costs invasives feral cats

Feral Cats and Their Management-2010 UN Extension Circular

review of statistical methods in Impact of Cats on Wildlife in U.S.

I read an April 26 article Killer Cats on Vermont Public TV's blog and viewed Parts 1 and 2 of the accompanying videos. The article mentioned Alley Cat Allies had hired Gregory Matthews, an independent statistical analyst, to review the highly publicized January 2013 article widely referred to by media and others as the "killer cats study", "The impact of free-ranging domestic cats on wildlife of the United States" by Loss, Marra, and Will. In the afternoon today ACA posted about their petitions to stop junk science delivered to the Smithsonian with a link to Matthews' review:

"A review of the statistical methods employed in the article "The impact of free-ranging domestic cats on wildlife of the United States"
Gregory J. Matthews, March 2013

[excerpts]

If I were asked to review this article for admission to a peer-reviewed journal based on the statistical validity of the methods used, my decision would be to reject it. There are numerous major flaws in the statistical arguments made by the authors of this article that, I believe, even upon major revision of the article, would still be unacceptable for publication based on the merits of the statistical methods used by the authors. Below, I have included several sections describing some of the specific flaws that I see in the article.

No meta-analysis performed
Extrapolation easily mis-used
Ad-hoc analysis
Mischaracterization of the error involved in each individual estimate
Authors cite sources that are not peer-reviewed
Counting a study twice
Questionable interpretation of results

You can view Mr. Matthew's blog and CV here: Stats in the Wild - About

The Vermont Public TV article mentions the press release issued by Vermont Fish and Wildlife in February, Outdoor Cats Pose a Threat to Vermont’s Wildlife but did not reveal the legislation they proposed: Vermont H372:

Subject: Fish and wildlife; wildlife conservation; migratory birds

Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to use funds from the Non-Game Wildlife Fund to conduct a media campaign regarding the impact of feral and free-ranging cats on populations of migratory birds and other species vulnerable to cat predation in Vermont.

Partners in Flight freeroam cats updates

Continued plans of Partners in Flight, a collaboration of bird, wildlife and conservation nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies who oppose freeroam outdoor cats and Trap Neuter Return. In the April 2013 Newsletter:

[excerpt]

Partners in Flight National Committee Actions

Develop a plan to reduce cat mortality on birds. There was discussion of the pros and cons of waiting for the Canadian Wildlife Service publication on cat mortality in Canada to be published before moving ahead with the PIF plan. On the plus side, we would have two major and independent scientific analyses to work with. Because cats are an exotic species, we will also be exploring laws and regulations that apply to the control of exotics on public lands.

I previously mentioned the forthcoming publication about avian mortality by cats in Canada expected from Pete Blancher of Canadian Wildlife Service / Environment Canada / Partners in Flight. Canadian cat predation claims were publicized in 2011 news media but the "evidence" is still not available. One of the "major and independent scientific analyses" referred to above is, I assume, the so-called study titled "The impact of free-ranging domestic cats on wildlife of the United States", by freeroam cat and TNR opponents Scott Loss, Peter Marra, and Tom Will published in January 2013 that was, as typical, parroted by media without question.

~ ~ ~

The 5th International Partners in Flight Conference and Conservation Workshop will be held in August 2013. (Nico Dauphine, opposed to freeroam cats and TNR, presented the paper "Impacts of Domestic Cats on Migratory Birds in North America" at the 4th PIF conference in 2008.)

Advancing Bird Conservation Across the Americas
August 25 – August 28, 2013
Snowbird, Utah

PIF V Program (not completely posted yet, always read entire)

A few cat-related PIF V Special Sessions of note so far:

Conservation Measures to Address Anthropogenic Causes of Bird Mortality
Many human-related activities are lethal to individual birds and may affect entire populations. Many of these activities are common across the Americas. Examples include power lines, wind energy development, construction and maintenance of communication towers, design of tall buildings, and policies regarding feral cats. Fortunately, industry and government agencies in many countries have developed practices and policies that support practices to prevent the bird losses. In this session we will share information on the state of our knowledge regarding these conservation measures, so that prevention and reduction of bird mortality may be coordinated across the Americas. Although this session will focus on solutions, we will also review the most current knowledge on population-level threats to birds. Session Leads: Geoffrey Walsh, US Bureau of Land Management.


Full Life Cycle Population Modeling for Migratory Birds
A better understanding of whether demographic factors during the breeding, migratory, or wintering period—or interactions between portions of the life cycle—will help us to better target conservation actions across the species’ annual life cycle to the times and places where our actions will have the largest effect. The session will include (1) presentations summarizing full life cycle modeling approaches useful for conservation; (2) examples of efforts currently underway to develop life cycle models for species with good demographic and migratory connectivity data across their annual cycles; and (3) discussion of how these models can inform where we target conservation efforts, especially for migratory species. As a final product, we envision a white paper (or peer-reviewed publication) outlining the required characteristics of a population model for migratory species that will be useful in guiding conservation action decisions. Session Leads: Randy Dettmers and Tom Will, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Pete Marra and Jeffrey Hostetler, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

I've previously mentioned the FWS Migratory Bird grants (and other efforts and publications) regarding avian mortality and cats, Tom Will FWS, Peter Marra Smithsonian, Amanda Rodewald, etc.

~ ~ ~

From the March 2013 meeting of the PIF / Shorebird / Waterbird Working Group

[excerpts]

Follow up work: Members of the WG will survey state agencies to obtain copies of their policies and regulations regarding the release of animals onto state properties.

Follow up work: Members of the WG will draft a plan to form a multi-disciplinary team to work on concerns associated with free-roaming cats. This team may include wildlife biologists, human dimensions specialists, academic veterinarians, public health experts, pet industry representatives, other. This team may discuss issues associated with cats during a special session of an AFWA Conference.

previous post about Feral Cat Blog! keyword fishwildlife.org (Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

previous related posts on the Feral Cat Blog! using search with keyword Partners in Flight
scroll down through all posts on such topics as
Partners in Flight, Cats in Canada, avian mortality, Pete Blancher, Peter Marra, Tom Will, Scott Loss, American Bird Conservancy, The Wildlife Society, US Fish and Wildlife FWS, and so on.

Florida animal shelter statistics - Transparency Act 2013

In Florida, state legislation titled the Transparency in Animal Shelter Act (Florida S0674) recently passed and will go into effect July 2013. It will require Florida animal shelters to provide monthly reporting of shelter statistics -- intake or entry and “disposition” or outcome categories. For some purposes this is also referred to as “euthanasia” or killing statistics.

Additionally, this legislation clarifies that the practice of Trap Neuter Return for cats is legal in Florida (although it was not previously illegal!) This conclusion is apparently implicit simply from amending the bill to include the disposition phrases of TNR and Return to Field. Separate legislation known as the Community Cat Act (Florida S1320) was not passed from committee for a vote. That bill was initiated by Best Friends Animal Society and more widely publicized by proponents and opponents.

Long awaited progress! I have suggested over years that shelter reporting be required in every state. I first realized the lack of and need for animal shelter data in 2001 when I read the 1998 book, Save Our Strays by Bob Christiansen. Since then I’ve compiled and provided countless individual shelter statistics to animal advocates around the nation as well as where to locate statewide statistics.

Always searching for basic much-needed animal protection information, in 2006 I discovered that the Florida Animal Control Association (FACA) began doing a shelter survey every three years. Although all animal control agencies did not participate and private nonprofit animal shelters were not included, such information was helpful and revealing, combined with all the other bits and pieces I've located or requested. I shared this and other relevant info with national and Florida cat or TNR forums.

See my often-visited webpage, Statewide Animal Shelter Statistics for which I have several updates to make.

Regarding state legislation on cats and feral cats, see my post from October 2006 Cats: State Statutes Rules Regulations. I have periodically broached to cat and animal leaders the pressing issues to be addressed for community cat management. Years later, animal groups begin to work on them. For example, there were presentations on state cat law and legislation etc. at recent animal conferences, information I compiled years ago.

See also my webpage created in 2004: Cat Management in Communities or Community Cat Management, which needs updating!

New Feral Cat Control Book-Vantassel

Unfortunately, a "new" publication from longtime wildlife and feral cat "control" advocate Vantassel, announced in latest Pest Control Technology > News:

New Feral Cat Control Book Now Available

A new book by wildlife control consultant Stephen M. Vantassel, "The Practical Guide to the Control of Feral Cats," is now available.
"With an estimated 60 million feral cats in the United States, the need for information on the management of house cats has never been higher," Vantassel said. The new book details the biology, estimated cat numbers and control methods useful for the management of feral cats.
Vantassel has been involved with the wildlife control industry since 1988. His articles have appeared in PCT, Wildlife Control Technology, Fur-Fish & Game, Fur Taker Magazine, Trapper's Post, and more.

on Vantassel's website Wildlife Control Consultant > Publications

Practical Guide to the Control of Feral Cats by Stephen M. Vantassel
This guide covers
feral cat biology,
identification of sign left by feral cats,
less-lethal control methods,
lethal control methods (including shooting and trapping)
euthanasia,
and more.

Sold on Lulu: Vantassel > Practical Guide to Control of Feral Cats > ebook

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

previous Feral Cat Blog! posts related to Vantassel:

Feral Cats and their Management, 2010 UN Extension Circular

conflict between federal migratory bird protections & state / local feral cat ordinances
(scroll to bottom under Other CRIS projects)

megestrol acetate revisited

In The Veterinary Journal a publication of Elsevier.
Available online 14 March 2013
In Press, Corrected Proof — see Note to users

Review
Low-dose megestrol acetate revisited: A viable adjunct to surgical sterilization in free roaming cats?
Michael Greenberg a, Dennis Lawler b, Stephen Zawistowski c, Wolfgang Jöchle d
a Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, S1-064 Schurman Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
b Illinois State Museum, Springfield, IL 62703, USA
c American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New York, NY 10128, USA
d Veterinary University of Hanover, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hanover, Germany
Corresponding author.
Accepted 31 January 2013Available online 14 March 2013

Abstract
Approximately 2–3 million cats are euthanased in animal shelters across the United States annually. Preventing pregnancy in cats is a key step to reducing this number. While surgery is generally a safe and effective tool for curbing reproduction in cats, it is not a practical method to achieve the reduction in numbers required for an appreciable impact on the cat population as a whole. Low-dose megestrol acetate (MA) is a synthetic progestin that has been used for the management of reproduction in free roaming cat populations; however, there has been no regulatory oversight regarding the use of this product for this purpose. Additionally, there is a paucity of data regarding the safety and efficacy of the product for the management of reproduction in free roaming cats. The purpose of this review is: (1) to outline the need for a non-surgical contraceptive in cats; (2) to discuss the uses of MA in domestic cats; (3) to consider potential adverse effects of the drug, and (4) to discuss regulatory challenges associated with the use of MA in free roaming cat populations. In order to answer the questions posed in this review, more data will need to be collected in laboratory and field studies.

Keywords
Free roaming cat; Overpopulation; Non-surgical; Contraception; Megestrol acetate

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

previous Feral Cat Blog! posts about Feralstat and nonsurgical sterilization

Quantifying free-roaming domestic cat predation using animal-borne video cameras

More of the same "journal-published" info on the Loyd/Hernandez Kitty Cams project:

Biological Conservation a publication of Elsevier
Volume 160, April 2013, Pages 183–189

Quantifying free-roaming domestic cat predation using animal-borne video cameras uantifying free-roaming domestic cat predation using animal-borne video cameras
Kerrie Anne T. Loyd a, Sonia M. Hernandez a, b, John P. Carrolla, Kyler J. Abernathy c, Greg J. Marshall c
a Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
b Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
c National Geographic Remote Imaging, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, USA

Received 19 August 2012, Revised 4 January 2013, Accepted 7 January 2013, Available online 14 March 2013
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2013.01.008

Abstract
Domestic cats (Felis catus) are efficient and abundant non-native predators. Predation by domestic cats remains a topic of considerable social and scientific debate and warrants attention using improved methods. Predation is likely a function of cat behavior, opportunity to hunt, and local habitat. Previous predation studies relied on homeowner reports of wildlife captures from prey returns to the household and other indirect means. We investigated hunting of wildlife by owned, free-roaming cats in a suburban area of the southeastern USA. Specific research goals included: (1) quantifying the frequency of cat interactions with native wildlife, (2) identifying common prey species of suburban cats, and (3) examining predictors of outdoor behavior. We monitored 55 cats during a 1-year period (November 2010–October 2011) using KittyCam video cameras. Participating cats wore a video camera for 7–10 total days and all outdoor activity was recorded for analysis. We collected an average of 38 h of footage from each project cat. Forty-four percent of free-roaming cats hunted wildlife, of which reptiles, mammals, and invertebrates constituted the majority of prey. Successful hunting cats captured an average of 2.4 prey items during 7 days of roaming, with Carolina anoles (Anolis carolinensis) being the most common prey species. Most wildlife captures (85%) occurred during the warm season (March–November in the southern USA). Twenty-three percent of cat prey items were returned to households; 49% of items were left at the site of capture, and 28% were consumed. Our results suggest that previous studies of pet cat predation on wildlife using owner surveys significantly underestimated capture rates of hunting cats.

Highlights
► We examined predatory behaviors of 55 owned, free-roaming domestic cats. ► We used animal-borne video cameras in suburban Athens, Georgia, USA. ► Thirty percent of our sample captured wildlife. ► Native reptiles, mammals, and invertebrates constituted the majority of prey. ► Twenty-three percent of prey were returned to households.

Keywords
Domestic cats; Free-roaming cat predation; Cat-wildlife interactions; Crittercam; KittyCam; Suburban wildlife

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

previous Feral Cat Blog! posts on Kitty Cams, Kerrie Anne Loyd and Sonia Hernandez.