Two of the key aims of our recent Dryandra Woonta project was to test the Felixer feral cat grooming traps on farms and reserves in Dryandra and to analyse feral cat DNA samples collected since 2016, to help improve the management of feral cats. Results of these studies are now available online.

As part of our recent Dryandra Woonta project, we undertook photo only (non-toxic) mode trials of Felixer™ feral cat grooming traps on private and public lands around Dryandra Woodland National Park. The project is the first study of its kind in the Wheatbelt of WA, the second on private property in Australia and the first to field trial blue tooth pet blocking tags. Overall results showed that Felixers can have an effective role in suppressing invasion of feral cats into the National Park, and reducing feral cat presence on agricultural land, in addition to other control techniques. You can read key findings and the full report at https://wpstaq-ap-southeast-2-media.s3.amazonaws.com/peel-harvey/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/05/Dryandra-Woonta-Felixer-Report-PHCC-FINAL-052023.pdf

The second part of the project analysed 176 feral cat DNA samples in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) Conservation Science Centre, to better understand sources and movements of feral cats. Results will be used to guide future management efforts and continued collection of DNA samples. You can read the full report at  https://wpstaq-ap-southeast-2-media.s3.amazonaws.com/peel-harvey/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/05/DryandraCatGenetics_FINAL_DOC_28Feb2023.pdf

Thanks to the landholders involved in the trials and collecting samples, DBCA Wheatbelt Region and Conservation Science Centre and PYNC invasive animal control.

This project was delivered by PHCC through funding from the Australian Government, as part of the 2022 Priority Species Grants.

We acknowledge the Noongar people as Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to all Elders past and present