Tasmanian devils decrease while feral cats increase
ABC Darwin (Darwin), 07:45 News, 25/05/2009 07:56am
There are claims the decline of Tasmanian devils from facial tumour diseases has given rise to a new threat to the state’s native small mammal species. Nick Mooney, Department of Primary Industries, says Tasmanian devils had helped to keep the feral cat population down, but cat numbers are increasing as devils die from the fatal tumour disease.
Billy Lazenby, PhD student, hopes to find out the affect of the feral species on native mammals such as the New Holland mouse.
The state government is considering introducing cat control legislation later this year.
Interviewee: Nick Mooney, biologist, Department of Primary Industries; Billy Lazenby, PhD student.
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