Present status and countermeasure of the Domestic Cat predation on endemic birds in Yambaru area of the northern part of Okinawa Island

Abstract

Many endemic birds, such as the flightless Okinawa Rail Gallirallus okinawae, inhabit the forest of Yambaru in northern Okinawa Island. The insular endemic birds, which evolved in a low predation environment, are vulnerable to predation by invasive mammals. Particularly, the invasion of the Domestic Cat Felis catus to Yambaru threatens the conservation of the biodiversity of this area. To reduce the negative effects of feral cat invasion, the local government in the Yambaru area has established a regional ordinance for the proper keeping of pet cats, including a registration system using microchips. The regional ordinance greatly contributed to reducing the cat problem in Yambaru. For the conservation of the endemic species and biodiversity in the Yambaru forest, it is necessary to implement measures to control Domestic Cats in other areas of Okinawa Island, as cats easily move into Yambaru from other areas that lack controls.