Feral cat predation on Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) and observations of arboreal hunting at nest boxes

Date: 26, Jul, 2018
Author(s):   Leo B. McComb, Pia E. Lentini, Dan K. P. Harley, Lindy F. Lumsden, Joanne S. Antrobus, Arabella C. Eyre, Natalie J. Briscoe
Publisher: Australian Mammalogy

Feral cats have been identified as a major threat to Australian wildlife; however, their impacts on the Critically Endangered Leadbeater’s possum (Gymobelideus leadbeateri) are unknown. Here, we describe camera trap observations of a feral cat hunting at nest boxes occupied by Leadbeater’s possum. Seven feral cats were subsequently captured within the surrounding area: two had Leadbeater’s possum remains in their stomachs. The prevalence of cat predation on this species, particularly at nest boxes, and how this can be mitigated warrants further investigation.