Fox and cat responses to fox baiting intensity, rainfall and prey abundance in the Upper Warren, Western Australia

Context Invasive predators are major drivers of global biodiversity loss. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cats (Felis catus) have contributed to the decline extinction many native species in Australia. The deployment poison baits control fox populations is a widespread conservation tool, but effects baiting intensity, rainfall prey abundance on effectiveness remain poorly understood. Aims We aimed understand what influences association between red activity cat activity, provide inferences about might affect reducing activity. Methods used generalised linear models assess how changes relation rainfall, availability distance agricultural land over 6-year period (2006–13) forest ecosystems Upper Warren region south-western Key results found that was negatively associated with previous 12 months positively intensity. also an interaction abundance, increasing areas low moderate remaining constant high Feral no clear relationship Conclusions unclear because intense targeted at known abundance. However, our indicate may be effective decoupling positive Our suggest intensity thus supporting case for integrated management. Implications caution interpretation results, note management invasive could improved by adjusting response environmental conditions local context (e.g. strategically conducting predator where highest). Improved understanding these associations requires monitoring program sufficient replication statistical power detect any treatment effects.