Cat predation of Kangaroo Island dunnarts in aftermath of bushfire

The Kangaroo Island dunnart (Sminthopsis aitketni) is a critically endangered marsupial species with an estimated population of similar to 500 individuals found only on the western end of Australia's third largest island. Severe bushfires recently burnt more than 98% of its known and predicted habitat that was already under pressure from fragmentation. After the fires, we found evidence of eight individual dunnarts in the digestive tract of seven feral cats, out of the 86 collected in remaining unburnt refugia; thus demonstrating the need of immediate risk management efforts after large-scale stochastic events.

Automated summary

The Kangaroo Island dunnart is a critically endangered marsupial species with a population estimated at around 500 individuals found only on the western end of Australia's third largest island. The recent severe bushfires, combined with pre-existing habitat fragmentation, have resulted in the destruction of over 98% of the known and predicted habitat. Following the fires, evidence of eight individual dunnarts was found in the digestive tract of seven feral cats out of the 86 collected in remaining unburnt refuges, highlighting the need for immediate risk management efforts after large-scale stochastic events.