Environment

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Environmental and ecological discussion, particularly of things like weather and other natural phenomena (especially if they're not breaking news).

See also our Nature and Gardening community for discussion centered around things like hiking, animals in their natural habitat, and gardening (urban or rural).

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Domestic cats “amongst the most problematic invasive species in the world” (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) by Jho@beehaw.org to c/environment@beehaw.org

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[A study] show[s] [that domestic cats] eat more than 2,000 species globally – including hundreds that are of conservation concern.

“Our study sheds light on the predatory habits of one of the world’s most successful and widely distributed invasive predators,” the researchers, led by Christopher Lepczyk from Auburn University in the US, wrote in the paper.

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[–] keefshape@lemmy.ca 13 points 11 months ago (2 children)

Idk, I only consider my cats to be housecats, if they stay indoors.

[–] jarfil@beehaw.org 17 points 11 months ago (2 children)

Once upon a time, a parakeet landed on the terrace... only to get promptly surrounded by 6 housecats. I managed to run out and shoo them away (not easy, had to actually push some with a broom), pick the parakeet and throw it out... but a few minutes later, it came back, and landed on the terrace again. This time the cats were faster, and got to it before I could.

Later I found out, that parakeets are an invasive species where I live, so... that turned out for the best? 😅

[–] gonta@mander.xyz 10 points 11 months ago

I appreciate the plot twist. 👍

[–] HowDoYouDo87@beehaw.org 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

As someone who adores parakeets (and has a few), just give them all to me. :)

[–] jarfil@beehaw.org 1 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

https://mappingspain.com/the-exotic-green-parrots-of-spain/

It is estimated that there are 200,000 Monk Parakeets in Spain and they are considered an invasive species

Just come and get them... how many thousands would you like?

We also have some 5 million bunnies, with about a million or so getting culled every year. They aren't an invasive species, but since agriculture has tended to create massive fields without a tree or as much as a post for birds of prey to sit on, the bunnies multiply and spread out of control, tunneling under roads, bullet train railroads, and invading city outskirts (they have no regard for fences).