05-05-2024, 01:49 AM
For sure mongoose are a problem to the nene as well as every other species they can molest or kill. We've trapped and killed well over 100 mongoose over the last 12 years and nobody cares. "You're doing the 'Aina a favor!" If I posted that I trapped and killed over 100 cats (I haven't...I've trapped one- see above) people would be coming to our house with pitchforks and torches. People on this forum have suggested as much.
All that aside, there is a difference between the physical damage done by cats and mongoose versus adding toxoplasmosis to the mix:
"Here's a comparison of cats, mongoose, and toxoplasmosis:
Role:
Cats: Definitive Host: This means cats are the only animal where the parasite can complete its full life cycle, including sexual reproduction. Cats become infected by ingesting oocysts (eggs) in the environment, often from infected rodents or birds. They then shed oocysts in their feces for a short period, contaminating the environment for other animals.
Mongoose: Intermediate Host: Mongooses become infected by eating infected prey or ingesting oocysts in the environment. They cannot transmit the parasite directly to other animals, but they can serve as a reservoir for the parasite.
Transmission:
Cats: Transmit toxoplasmosis by shedding oocysts in their feces. These oocysts are highly resistant and can survive in the environment for months, infecting other animals that come into contact with them.
Mongoose: Do not directly transmit toxoplasmosis but can become infected and shed oocysts in their feces, potentially contaminating the environment.
Impact:
Cats: Healthy adult cats typically experience mild or no symptoms from toxoplasmosis. However, it can be serious for pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and young children.
Mongoose: The exact impact of toxoplasmosis on mongooses is not fully understood. It is believed to be asymptomatic in healthy animals.
Summary:
Cats play a key role in the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii, while mongooses are incidental hosts. Cats pose a greater risk of transmitting the parasite to humans and other animals due to shedding oocysts in their feces." (AI generated- Google (Gemini))
All that aside, there is a difference between the physical damage done by cats and mongoose versus adding toxoplasmosis to the mix:
"Here's a comparison of cats, mongoose, and toxoplasmosis:
Role:
Cats: Definitive Host: This means cats are the only animal where the parasite can complete its full life cycle, including sexual reproduction. Cats become infected by ingesting oocysts (eggs) in the environment, often from infected rodents or birds. They then shed oocysts in their feces for a short period, contaminating the environment for other animals.
Mongoose: Intermediate Host: Mongooses become infected by eating infected prey or ingesting oocysts in the environment. They cannot transmit the parasite directly to other animals, but they can serve as a reservoir for the parasite.
Transmission:
Cats: Transmit toxoplasmosis by shedding oocysts in their feces. These oocysts are highly resistant and can survive in the environment for months, infecting other animals that come into contact with them.
Mongoose: Do not directly transmit toxoplasmosis but can become infected and shed oocysts in their feces, potentially contaminating the environment.
Impact:
Cats: Healthy adult cats typically experience mild or no symptoms from toxoplasmosis. However, it can be serious for pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and young children.
Mongoose: The exact impact of toxoplasmosis on mongooses is not fully understood. It is believed to be asymptomatic in healthy animals.
Summary:
Cats play a key role in the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii, while mongooses are incidental hosts. Cats pose a greater risk of transmitting the parasite to humans and other animals due to shedding oocysts in their feces." (AI generated- Google (Gemini))