Baits tested to control feral cats
Friday, June 18, 2010 at 14:47 
The rarely seen western ground parrot is one of only four ground-dwelling parrots in the world. (Photo: Brent Barrett, DEC) POISON cat baits are being tested in remote WA national parks in a bid to save one of the country's most endangered species.
Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has begun laying poison baits in Fitzgerald River National Park (FRNP) and Cape Arid National Park on WA’s south coast where western ground parrots are making a last stand for survival.
The population has been ravaged by predators and fewer than 140 parrots are known to remain.
DEC ecologist Sarah Comer said the department was testing Eradicat baits to kill feral cats, which were thought to be responsible for the ground parrot’s decline.
“The first batch of Eradicat baits were dropped by plane in the FRNP in mid April, with more bait drops following over the past few weeks,” Ms Comer said.
“A number of cats are being radio-tracked, and it is hoped we will get clear evidence of mortality following the baiting.
“In addition, the project team has established transects of sand pads that monitor predator track density pre and post baiting.”
Ms Comer said western ground parrot populations and other threatened species would be closely monitored during the trial period.
Native species that might be attracted to the baits would also be monitored.
“As part of the trial, DEC will be monitoring the effect of the baits on species such as the chuditch and dibbler, to determine whether these species are ingesting the baits and any negative impacts that may occur as a result,” she said.
“DEC sees the control of cats in areas like the FRNP as a long-term initiative, and while we wouldn’t expect to see an immediate increase in numbers of western ground parrots and other native species, we expect our monitoring programs to reveal a gradual improvement over a number of years.”
The specially created cat baits have proven highly successful in controlling feral cats and other introduced predators in arid and semi-arid regions in WA. The trials on the south coast and South-West will assess the potential of cat baits in cooler regions where the product is yet to be proven.