Scientific American - USA (2020-04)

WOODRAT

April 2020, ScientificAmerican.com 37

I N B R I E F

Worldwide, feral cats kill a signifi­

cant amount of wildlife every year.

But methods to solve the problem

are often controversial, and their

efficacy is understudied.

In Key Largo, Fla., ongoing re ­

search is illuminating the precise

interactions between a colony of

cared­for feral cats and the endan­

gered woodrat.

A more granular understanding

of how free-ranging cats affect

vulnerable wildlife could help

conservationists and cat advocates

collaborate on solutions.

CONSERVATION

How do you protect

an endangered species

when its biggest threat

is beloved by humans?

By Carrie Arnold

vs.

CAT

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