Feral cats (Felis catus) have caused the decline and extinction of threatened species on islands worldwide.
The eradication or long-term control of cats is therefore an essential part of restoring native communities on these islands.
In most situations, a combination of lethal techniques is required to remove feral cats, including trapping, hunting and
poisoning. Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) is being developed as a new, humane poison for feral cats. Mammalian
carnivore species appear more susceptible to PAPP than birds, so it potentially has higher target selectivity than other
available toxins. A proprietary formulation of PAPP (PredaSTOP) developed by Connovation NZ Ltd. has been shown
to kill cats humanely when delivered in a meat bait in pen trials. Two field trials of the formulation were undertaken
with radio-collared cats. Toxic baiting was carried out by placing meat baits containing 80 mg PAPP in bait stations.
Five of eight radio-collared cats in the South Island study and 13 of 16 radio-collared cats in the North Island study were
poisoned. In the latter study, an additional three cats without collars that were monitored using infra-red cameras were
also poisoned. Our results indicate that PAPP is an effective toxin for cats in the field, with potential application for their
eradication or control on islands.[Show full abstract]
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