Contact: , American Bird Conservancy, 202/234-7181 ext. 207

New Report Documents First Ever Multi-State Review of Feral Cat Impacts on Birds

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has published a new report which, for the first time, analyzes the impact of domestic cats on some of America's most at-risk bird species at cat predation hotspots. The report, entitled Impacts of Feral and Free-ranging Cats on Bird Species of Conservation Concern: A Five-State Review of New York, New Jersey, Florida, California, and Hawaii, is available for download from ABC's Website, at www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/NFWF.pdf.

Invasive species, including cats, are widely recognized as one of the most serious threats to birds worldwide. The domestic cat may be the most widespread alien predator in the world - with devastating consequences. Domestic cats are consid­ered primarily responsible for the extinction of 33 bird species since the 1600s. In New Zealand alone, cats were primarily responsible for the extinction of eight bird species and the eradication of 41 others from islands. Introduced into the United States by European settlers, there are now at least 90 million pet cats in the country, and perhaps an equal number of stray and feral cats. Scientists estimate that our nation's free-roaming cats kill hundreds of millions of birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians each year, including endangered species.

The new ABC study illuminates troubling threats to endangered species such as the Piping Plover, California Clapper Rail, and Hawaiian Petrel from cat predation, highlights the problems associated with the growing trend of "managed" cat colonies, and reviews various wildlife protection laws that can protect birds and other wildlife from cats. The authors also provide recommendations on how cat overpopulation problems can be better managed. The report was made possible through a generous grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

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American Bird Conservancy (ABC, www.abcbirds.org) - is the only 501(c)(3) organization that works solely to conserve native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC acts to safeguard the rarest bird species, restore habitats, and reduce threats, while building capacity in the conservation movement. ABC is the voice for birds, ensuring that they are adequately protected; that sufficient funding is available for bird conservation; and that land is protected and properly managed to maintain viable habitat. ABC is a membership organization that is consistently awarded a top, four-star rating by the independent group Charity Navigator.

ABC's Cats Indoors! Campaign aims to educate cat owners, decision makers, and the general public that cats, wildlife and people all benefit when cats are kept indoors, in an outdoor enclosure, or trained to go outside on a harness and leash. ABC has developed many education materials, including fact sheets, posters, the popular brochure, Keeping Cats Indoors Isn't Just For The Birds, an Educator's Guide for Grades K-6, print and radio Public Service Announcements, and more. Visit www.abcbirds.org/cats for the complete list of materials.