Murphy, E.Shapiro, L.Hix, S.MacMorran, D.Eason, Charles2013-12-172011Murphy, E. C., Sapiro, L., Hix, S., MacMorran, D. & Eason, C. T. (2011). Control and eradication of feral cats: field trials of a new toxin. In C. R. Veitch, M. N. Clout and D. R. Towns (Eds.), Island invasives: eradication and management. (pp. 213-216). Switzerland: IUCN1173-5988https://hdl.handle.net/10182/5757Feral 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.213-216en© 2011 International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resourcesradio-trackingferal catspoisonPAPPpara-aminopropiophenonehumaneNew Zealandfield trialsfelis catusJournal Article