NSW Launches Dedicated Feral Cat Control Team To Protect Native Wildlife

The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has announced the creation of its first specialized feral cat control team, as part of efforts to protect the country’s endangered wildlife.

Feral cats are responsible for killing an estimated 1.5 billion native animals annually, contributing significantly to Australia’s position as the nation with the highest rate of mammal extinctions in the world.

In response, NPWS is forming a team of five expert ground shooters to intensify efforts to reduce feral cat populations, particularly in areas where numbers have surged due to favorable seasonal conditions. This new initiative is expected to enhance the protection of vulnerable species across the state.

The team will prioritize safeguarding species at risk, including mammals such as the dusky hopping mouse, the yellow-footed rock-wallaby, and the stripe-faced dunnart; birds like the plains wanderer, grey grasswren, and hooded robin; and reptiles such as the endangered Barrier Range dragon.

Stationed in Broken Hill, Dubbo, and/or Bourke, the team will be deployed to various regions as required. Their work will not only focus on ground shooting, but will also include cat baiting, trapping, and the collection of samples for potential genetic research into long-term solutions to the feral cat problem.

This program marks a significant step forward in the battle to preserve Australia’s unique wildlife and curb the devastating impact of feral cats.