Abundance and detection of feral cats decreases after severe fire on Kangaroo Island, Australia

Predation by feral cats (Felis catus) has caused the extinction of many native species in Australia and globally. There is growing evidence that impacts can be amplified post-fire environments, as are drawn to hunt or around recently burnt areas also more effective hunters open habitats. In 2018–2019, we established arrays camera traps estimate abundance on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Much island (including five our seven survey sites) was subsequently a severe wildfire (December 2019–February 2020). We re-sampled sites 3–8 months (seven 11–12 (three sites). At two unburnt sampled post-fire, it possible produce density estimates using spatially explicit capture–recapture approach. Where estimating not (due low detections individual being distinguishable), number individuals percentage trap nights with compared between sampling periods. Some low-level cat control occurred within 2 km three (all burn scar) 3 fire. Across sites, there decline those without control). was, average, 57% reduction cats, 65% detections, relative pre-fire levels. Although declined following fire, reduced population sizes prey cover result fire might still mean predation threat some surviving species. Management reduces pressure wildlife should enhance likelihood persistence recovery.