07-29-2017, 06:46 PM
Culling animals. Sorry to be blunt here, but with a lot of our prolific species culling in principle is no different than mowing your lawn. It cannot be intermittent.
It has to be regular basis, continual. We cull animals as prolific as rats. Outcome: "Continual suppression."
In some places, such as where there are both unwanted coyotes and unwanted feral cats, it might be advisable not to cull the coyotes. (Coyotes breed prolifically. Cats breed less rapidly, but are still a moderate challenge to suppress.)
Regarding the TNR debate, I do not have the expertise of some other commentators, but one thing is clear: Allowing TNR results in the emergence of significant groups of cat lovers who organize to feed feral cats on public land (as an adjunct to or in place of having a cat at home). They become protective of all feral cats and present a strong obstacle to any culling program, even in isolated areas.
In effect they lobby against pest control--precisely one of the objectives of the animal rights movement (excepting perhaps rats).
It has to be regular basis, continual. We cull animals as prolific as rats. Outcome: "Continual suppression."
In some places, such as where there are both unwanted coyotes and unwanted feral cats, it might be advisable not to cull the coyotes. (Coyotes breed prolifically. Cats breed less rapidly, but are still a moderate challenge to suppress.)
Regarding the TNR debate, I do not have the expertise of some other commentators, but one thing is clear: Allowing TNR results in the emergence of significant groups of cat lovers who organize to feed feral cats on public land (as an adjunct to or in place of having a cat at home). They become protective of all feral cats and present a strong obstacle to any culling program, even in isolated areas.
In effect they lobby against pest control--precisely one of the objectives of the animal rights movement (excepting perhaps rats).