Australia: Feral cats threaten extinction of species

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.