Applidyne client Ecological Horizons has appeared on SBS News demonstrating one of Applidyne’s more recent projects, the Ecological Horizons ‘Cat grooming trap’ as part of a story on the last known colony of Australian Night Parrots.
The rare bird thought for many years to be extinct was recently captured on camera in south western Queensland but remains under threat from feral cats in the area.
Feral cats are the greatest threat to native wildlife in Australia. They have been implicated in at least 27 mammal extinctions across Australia and currently threaten more than 100 native species, including mammals, lizards and ground nesting birds.
Feral cats are notoriously difficult to control as they are reluctant to take baits or enter traps, particularly when prey, such as small native mammals, are abundant. All cats are fastidious cleaners that groom regularly. Ecological Horizons came up with the idea of targeting the natural grooming behaviour of the cat and approached Applidyne to help make the idea a reality.
After 18 months of research and development Applidyne recently delivered five grooming traps to Ecological Horizons who will now commence testing. Conservation group Bush Heritage Australia will be one of the first to trial the Applidyne designed and built grooming traps in the area where the Night Parrots have been seen hoping to reduce cats numbers and protect the parrots from extinction.
For more information on Ecological Horizons and the grooming trap visit www.ecologicalhorizons.com.
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