澳大利亚研究人员通过DNA分析方法首次深入调查野猫的捕食行为，发现传统检测方式严重低估了对本地野生动物的威胁程度[1]。新南威尔士州Wild Deserts保护区的野猫胃部样本中，DNA检测发现的哺乳动物物种数量是传统手工检测的两倍，鸟类物种数量是三倍[1]。这项研究标志着澳大利亚在猫科动物饮食研究中首次应用DNA技术[1]。
野猫对澳大利亚本地生物多样性造成严重威胁。过去238年间，澳大利亚共发生超过40例哺乳动物灭绝事件[1]。目前约700种动物面临灭绝风险，其中至少200种直接受到野猫的威胁[1]。根据评估，野猫每年捕食超过15亿只本地动物[1]。DNA分析获得的更准确数据表明，本地物种被捕食的实际速度远高于以往估计水平。
Australian researchers have conducted the first DNA analysis of feral cat stomach contents, discovering that traditional detection methods significantly underestimate the predation impact on native wildlife.[1] The DNA testing identified twice as many mammal species and three times as many bird species compared to conventional manual examination techniques.[1] This finding suggests that native animal populations are being hunted at rates considerably higher than previously calculated.
The research, which analyzed samples from feral cats in the Wild Deserts protected area in New South Wales, reveals the true scope of the threat posed by invasive felines.[1] Feral cats are estimated to kill more than 1.5 billion native animals annually.[1] At least 200 of Australia's approximately 700 species facing extinction risk are directly threatened by feral cats.[1] This predation pressure builds on a broader crisis: Australia has experienced more than 40 mammal extinctions over the past 238 years.[1]
The application of DNA methodology to feline diet research marks a significant methodological advance for Australian wildlife studies.[1] By revealing the true extent of feral cat predation, this research provides critical data for conservation efforts aimed at protecting Australia's increasingly vulnerable native species.
