Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Australia: Feral cats threaten extinction of species

Ap
Thursday 24 March 2011 01:00 GMT
Comments

Up to 45 rare species of wallaby, bandicoot and other Australian animals could become extinct within 20 years, scientists warn.

Dozens of mammals, birds, lizards and other vertebrates in the remote north-western Kimberley region are at risk from hunting by feral cats and from destruction of their habitat by wild donkeys, goats and fires, a study by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation found.

"We're in the midst of a massive extinction event. The north has been the last stronghold for many species," said study co-author Tara Martin.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in