Untangling two complementary camera trapping data sets to identify patterns in feral cat activity around a known night parrot population in western Queensland

Abstract

Feral cats (Felis catus) are a significant predator of native birds in Australia, and a recognised predator for the endangered night parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis). We examined camera trapping data from 2014 to 2020 collected at the Pullen Pullen (night parrot) reserve in south-western Queensland to investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of feral cat activity. These data were collected from two discrete periods, with slightly different foci, and we undertook careful data exploration and refinement to identify a consistent data set. We modelled the relationship between the camera detections and a range of environmental, spatial, and temporal parameters, using logistic regression and two selection criteria (Akaike’s and Bayesian). The final parsimonious model identified that feral cat detection probability decreased with increasing ruggedness and increased as distance to creek lines decreased. Feral cat detection probability also declined over time from camera deployment. In each model the variance component estimates suggested that some influences on cat detection probability remain unexplained. Regardless, our results provide further data on feral cat activity, and therefore information to focus and improve the management of this threat to the night parrot and other significant species on this conservation reserve.