Cat Movement: Pilot Program

“This pilot study underscores the power of science and community collaboration in safeguarding our wetlands”

AEP, commissioned by Hunter Local Land Services and funded through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, implemented the Cat Tracker Pilot Program adjacent to the Hunter Estuary wetlands. The primary aim was to investigate the roaming behaviour of domestic cats residing near sensitive ecological areas, particularly the Hexham Swamp region, an ecologically significant habitat undergoing active restoration to support migratory bird species , including the Australasian Bittern.

​

Balancing Pet Ownership and Conservation: AEP’s Findings on Domestic Cat Behaviour

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The project involved a two-stage method: an initial community questionnaire followed by direct GPS tracking of selected domestic cats. Participants responded to surveys about cat demographics, lifestyle, and prey capture behaviour. Subsequently, six volunteer cats were fitted with lightweight GPS trackers to monitor their daily movements over approximately ten days.

​

Data from GPS tracking revealed that most of the cats maintained a relatively small home range (60-100m from their primary residence), with occasional forays extending up to 215m. Importantly, tracked cats showed minimal incursions into adjacent wetland habitats, indicating limited immediate impact from these residential populations on nearby wildlife.

​

​“Balancing the needs of pets and wildlife is essential - this project helps bridge that gap.”

​

The pilot provided insights into domestic cat behaviours, guiding future targeted community engagement and environmental management strategies. Recommendations included extending similar studies to properties within 200m of wetland boundaries to further assess potential ecological impacts and expanding the number of individual subjects. This project underlines the importance of integrating community participation with scientific research to safeguard sensitive natural habitats effectively.