Feral Cat Population Biology on Macquarie Island 1976-1981

Between December 1976 and February 1981, 246 feral cats were collected on Macquarie Island. The dataset contains biological and ecological observations, including sex ratios, coat color, breeding season, litter size, habitat use, and population estimates. It was produced by the Australian Antarctic Data Centre (AU_AADC) and published in February 1981.

Use Cases

• Model population dynamics using estimated total adult population (169-252) and sex ratio (1:0.8 male:female).
• Analyze reproductive patterns using breeding season (October-March), mean embryo count (4.7 per female), and evidence of double litters.
• Study habitat preference by comparing cat presence in herbfield/tussock grassland versus feldmark.
• Investigate kitten mortality trends correlated with litter weight (litters >1.8 kg contained ≤2 animals).
• Estimate individual territory size from observed adult male home range data (41 ha).

Strengths

• Data collection over a 4-year period (December 1976 to February 1981).
• Sample size of 246 collected cats provides a basis for population estimates.
• Contains multiple biological metrics: sex ratio, coat color distribution, breeding season, litter size, and habitat data.

Limitations

• Sample size of 246 may be limited for robust statistical modeling of rare events.
• Data is temporally stale, last updated in 1981, and may not reflect current population status.
• Geographic scope is restricted to a single subantarctic island, limiting generalizability.

Provenance

Source

Australian Antarctic Data Centre (AU_AADC), accessed via NASA EarthData.

Collection Method

Field collection and observation of 246 cats over a 4-year period.

Time Range

December 1976 to February 1981

Freshness

1981-02-28

Geography

Macquarie Island, subantarctic region