

What are we gonna do about all these cats?
8 snips Feb 9, 2024
Peter Mara, Dean of the Earth Commons at Georgetown University and co-author of 'Cat Wars,' dives into the heated debate over domestic cats as an invasive species. He explores the ecological implications of cat populations, unraveling the tension between bird conservationists and cat advocates. Mara highlights various management strategies for feral cats and touches on the emotional stakes involved. The discussion delves into innovative solutions that balance wildlife protection with pet ownership, making for a compelling and thought-provoking dialogue.
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Cat Domestication
- Cats were likely domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent.
- This coincided with humans building structures and storing food, which attracted rodents, and then the cats that preyed on them.
Early Cat Concerns
- Concerns about cats' impact on birds date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Edward Forbush, an ornithologist, was among the first to raise the alarm, highlighting their predatory nature.
Death Threats for Bird Study
- Dr. Stanley Temple received death threats after publishing a study on cat-caused bird deaths in Wisconsin.
- The study estimated millions of birds killed annually, sparking outrage among cat advocates.