The domestic killer living in your neighbourhood
In Australia, the devastation to our native fauna caused by the natural predatory instincts of feral and domestic cats is staggering and causing dire biological consequences. In May, the internet was shocked by an image from a wildlife detection camera near the Queensland - Northern Territory border capturing a large feral cat carrying a sand goanna, which can weigh up to six kilos. Through our own environmental project work in southern Queensland, we too have discovered plenty of cats on cameras in areas where we were searching for wildlife.
The predatory habits of cats see them target a range of wildlife species. Larger animals like kangaroos, wedge-tailed eagles and dingoes are safe from cat predation, but almost every other Australian species fall into the category of prey.
Feral felines
For decades, organisations like the Australian Wildlife Conservancy
(AWC) and Biosecurity Queensland have conducted research to assess the habits and habitats of feral cats, their negative impact on Australia’s native wildlife and how those impacts can be lessened and/or eradicated.
A variety of methods have been employed (with varying success rates) including labour-intensive camera-trap monitoring, GPS tracking collars, population density recording and consultation with First People trackers.
A report co-authored by Biosecurity Queensland (cited by ABC News) estimates “there are as many as 5.6 million feral cats across 99.8 per cent of the country”.
With each feral cat killing 740 animals on average per year, the data shows around one billion mammals, 596 million reptiles, and 316 million birds are killed annually. That’s around 1.91 billion less bilbies, frogs, rosellas, sand goannas, cockatoos and wallabies (to name just a few of the threatened and endangered species who become prey to these highly efficient hunters). It's no wonder Australia is in an extinction crisis, with the worst mammalian extinction rate of any country in the world.
Domestic danger
Closer to home, new research has found domestic cats are causing similar deaths and destruction to local wildlife populations.
An April 2020 Wildlife Research report
by CSIRO Publishing states that while domestic cats kill an average of 186 animals per year, (a quarter of a feral cat’s kill rate), their kills have a higher concentration rate in one area e.g. a town or city – 50 times higher per unit/area. Domestic cats also appear to make no distinction between introduced species e.g. rats and mice, versus native ones.
A 2019 Animal Medicines Australia survey
found that of the 61 per cent of Australian households who own pets, 27 per cent of those are cats. Factoring in these findings combined with domestic cats living longer than feral cats, the severity and extent of the devastation cats pose to Australian’s native wildlife is alarming.
So, what can you do to help?
Tips for protecting wildlife from your feline assasin
If you have a cat, there are a number of precautions you can take to be a responsible pet owner, including spading. (Your vet will agree.)
No councils within the SQ Landscapes region require cats to be kept indoors at all times. However, all councils have regulations and recommendations regarding microchipping, de-sexing and monitoring your cat, so it’s important to regularly check your regional council's website for updates and information about mitigating the risk.
All of the information and research shows that cats kept inside aren't a danger to wildlife. Keeping cats in also protects your pet from becoming victims themselves. Pets are hit and killed by cars often, while wandering animals are prone to fighting with other cats or dogs, or catching diseases.
If you can’t keep your cat inside all the time, here are some tips for being a responsible pet owner;
• Dusk, dawn and evenings are when many nocturnal animals are waking up and beginning to move around looking for food. It’s important to keep your cats inside during these times, but all times is best.
• Make sure your cat is de-sexed to prevent an increase of unwanted strays with nowhere to be but outside with no other option for food.
• Start the routine of being indoors from a kitten. Only feed and play with your cat inside, so they know to come/stay inside for affection and sustenance.
• If possible, create an enclosed outdoor space on your balcony, patio or in your backyard.
• Put a bell or a reflective mirror on your cat’s collar, to make them less effective at stalking.
1. What is Natural Capital? Natural capital refers to the natural resources and ecosystems, like soils, native vegetation, water, and biodiversity, that underpin productive farming and provide essential services such as clean water, healthy soils and carbon storage. For Queensland landholders, this means your land’s value now includes the environmental benefits it delivers, not just crops or livestock. While the term Natural Capital has risen to prominence with government, industry and the public in recent years, the sustainable use of our natural capital, its maintenance and improvement have been fundamental to regional NRM organisations since inception. Identifying and assessing our natural assets are foundational to the development of our regional NRM strategies and plans which guide our operations and provide us with the knowledge and expertise to play a key role in Australia’s efforts to manage and enhance our Natural Capital. 2. Why Does Natural Capital Matter in Agriculture? Australian agriculture is experiencing a shift where nature and production are seen as interconnected assets. This approach is being driven by both market demand and new government policies, with natural capital now influencing land values, investments, and farm business resilience. 3. How Can Farmers Monetise Natural Capital? Natural capital markets allow landholders to earn income by improving or protecting their land’s natural assets. The most common ways to participate include: Carbon Credits: Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, farmers can generate credits by adopting practices like reforestation, soil carbon improvement, or avoided clearing. These credits are regulated by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and can be sold to the government or private buyers. Biodiversity Certificates: The new federal Nature Repair Market, established by the Nature Repair Act 2023, allows farmers to earn tradable biodiversity certificates for projects that restore or protect native ecosystems. The CER also administers this market, ensuring robust oversight and scientific credibility. Land Restoration Fund (LRF): Queensland’s LRF builds on the federal framework, offering extra incentives for projects that deliver both carbon abatement and environmental co-benefits, such as improved water quality or habitat restoration. The LRF works in tandem with the ACCU Scheme and prioritises projects that support regional sustainability. More Information: π www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/natural-capital/explained π www.cer.gov.au/schemes/australian-carbon-credit-unit-scheme π www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change/land-restoration-fund π www.nrmrq.org.au/queensland-nature-fund-natural-capital π www.legislation.gov.au/C2023A00121/latest/text
The Board of Southern Queensland Landscapes is pleased to announce Kimberley Swords has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors. Kimberley began her working life as a large animal country vet, after student practical experience across Southern Queensland in Goondiwindi and Injune. Kimberley’s strong interest in natural resource management and regional communities has led her to contribute across a wide variety of industries including the public sector, where she rose to the role of Deputy Secretary in the Australian Government and led environmental approvals, heritage and marine. Her extensive leadership experience incorporates many board roles, including as a current serving member of the CS Energy board. “Following an extensive recruitment phase, where the Southern Queensland Landscapes Board were gratified to receive several high-quality applications, we are delighted to announce the subsequent overwhelming member endorsement of Kimberley as Board Chair. The appointment of a new Chair in any organisation represents an opportunity for refreshment and renewal and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Directors and staff are looking forward to working with Kimberley to deliver our Strategic Plan” said acting Southern Queensland Landscapes Chair, Louise Winten. Kimberly looks forward to engaging with stakeholders across Southern Queensland, with her first full board meeting set down for late June in Charleville. “It is an exciting and challenging time for the region, as we lean into the changing climate, different economic opportunities, and the next generation of regional leaders. I look forward to connecting and collaborating across our communities to better understand how Southern Queensland Landscapes can support sustainable environmental outcomes that materially improve the lives of people living and working in Southern Queensland,” she said. The position of Chair became vacant following the retirement of founding Chair, and long term supporter of regional natural resource management, The Honourable Bruce Scott, AM, at the end of February 2025. Bruce made a significant contribution to Southern Queensland Landscapes during his time as Chair and the Board thanks him for dedication, time, energy, and commitment to the organisation. Southern Queensland Landscapes is one of 11 Queensland-based Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations. Spanning 314,398 square kilometres, the our footprint encompasses the Condamine catchment, Qld Murray Darling Basin and the south-west Mulga Lands. Southern Queensland Landscapes relies on evidence based information, supported by First Nations knowledge, to effectively balance productivity and environmental outcomes that support the regional communities within our landscapes. ο»Ώ
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Southern Queensland Landscapes is seeking an experienced and influential Board Chair to lead a multi-skilled Board in managing natural resources across Southern Queensland. This is a 3-year remunerated role based in Toowoomba, QLD, with the flexibility to manage from anywhere in Southern QLD. The ideal candidate will bring: • Substantial experience leading diverse Boards • Strong relationship-building and leadership skills • Expertise in environmental and agricultural matters This role is an opportunity to shape the future of natural resource management, working closely with land managers, community leaders, and industry professionals. Are you ready to make an enduring impact? For more details and to apply, visit www.windsor-group.com.au/job/board-chair-natural-resources-peak-body or contact Mike Conroy at apply@windsor-group.com.au.
This week marked the final Board meeting for retiring Southern Queensland Landscape Chair, The Hon Bruce Scott AM. The Southern Queensland Landscapes Board hosted a function at Gip’s restaurant in Toowoomba, joined by past Directors, industry stakeholders and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Management team, where Bruce was warmly acknowledged and thanked. Bruce offered special thanks to his dear wife Joan for her support during his period of service to Southern Queensland Landscapes, in particular the warm country hospitality she has offered to many visitors to Roma. Bruce also recognised and thanked Southern Queensland Landscapes Company Secretary Pam Murphy, who has supported Bruce in his service to Southern Queensland Landscapes since the organisation’s inception. ο»Ώ
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