35th Annual Student Research Conference
A case study on feral cat populations and their impact on the city of Kirksville
Andrew S. Miles
Dr. Chad Montgomery and Dr. Heidi Cook, Faculty Mentors
In America alone, an estimated 1.3-4.0 billion birds and 6.3-22.3 billion mammals are killed annually by invasive free roaming cats. Cats have a ~65 day gestation and their offspring can reproduce at six months old, leading to rapid population growth. To combat the issue, management strategies have been implemented and are still vigorously debated in private and public forums. The city of Kirksville, Missouri, provides a location for a case study on feral cat populations and their effects on small towns. In this case study, I analyze the feral cat population and attempt to calculate the impacts they have in Kirksville. My hypothesis argues that through area-based population density measurements of feral cats in Kirksville predation on native fauna can be estimated, resulting in an environmental analysis of the area and a dynamic management model for the community.
Keywords: Invasive Species , Feral Cats, Animal Management , Animal Welfare, Animal Physiology, Population Density
Topic(s):Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone
Biology
Environmental Studies
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 202-1
Location: SUB GEO A
Time: 10:15