Camera trap records a domestic cat catching an endangered Izu thrush on Mikura Island, Japan

Abstract

Predation of domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) on native species is a global issue of concern for biodiversity conservation. Their impact on insular birds is known to be tremendous. However, studies on Japanese islands are still limited. A domestic cat catching an endangered Izu thrush (Turdus celaenops) was recorded by a camera trap on Mikura Island, Japan. A photo and a video of a domestic cat holding the Izu thrush was taken at 20:21 on July 24, 2018. The video showed that the Izu thrush was alive because it repeatedly opened and closed its bill. The video also showed that the bird was a chick because of the characteristic chick feathers. These results suggest that the domestic cat attacked a breeding nest of the Izu thrush. In addition, camera traps recorded cats carrying other species, such as streaked shearwater (Calonectris leucomelas). To obtain more evidence of cats killing native birds, further studies such as scat analysis are needed. Since free-ranging cats are reportedly present in most of the areas where the Izu thrush is distributed, the edification for appropriate cat owning and the removal of free-ranging individuals are needed to protect native birds.