The significance of landholder gender and previous knowledge of control methods for effective feral cat (Felis catus) management in south-eastern Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Invasive animals, such as feral cats, are considered non-threatening by some social groups due to their similarity to companion animals, and this can pose a threat to the success of invasive species management through lack of support. Feral cat management is undertaken across southern Australia, and it is therefore important to determine the social factors that influence levels of support for different control measures amongst stakeholders. In this study, we use a landholder questionnaire to assess acceptance of feral cat control methods on properties on Kangaroo Island, South Australia and near to the Grampians National Park in western Victoria. We found that differences in opinion between genders and levels of previous knowledge of feral cat management methods influenced the likelihood that landholders would allow the application of particular methods on their properties, and that men were more likely to accept all available cat control methods than women. Management authorities are recommended to tailor messages across genders in a way that introduces the facts surrounding both feral cat impacts and management programs.