Reduction of free-roaming cat population requires high-intensity neutering in spatial contiguity to mitigate compensatory effects

When free-roaming in natural areas, the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) is ranked high among the most destructive alien species. Near human vacancy, it might risk humans, impair sanitation, and suffer from poor welfare. Cats’ popularity as companion animals complicates their population control. Thus, culling is often replaced by a fertility control method called “Trap-Neuter-Return/Release (TNR),” which is considered more humane. Despite the extensive application of TNR, a long-term controlled study was never performed to test its effectiveness. We present a uniquely designed controlled field experiment for examining TNR effectiveness. The study was performed over a twelve-year period, divided into pre-intervention, mixed- and full-intervention phases, and spanned a 20Km2 urban area. Trends of cat, queen, and kitten counts, cat reproduction, and carcass reports were compared among study phases and areas with different neutering intensities. The cat population increased during the first two study phases and did not decline in highly neutered populations, presumably due to cat immigration. Expansion of high-intensity neutering to the entire city in the full-intervention phase (>70% neutering percentage) reversed cat population growth, reaching an annual ca. 7% reduction. This population reduction was limited by a rebound increase in cat reproduction and longevity. We conclude that cat population management by TNR should be performed in high-intensity, continuously, and in geographic contiguity to enable population reduction. To enhance management effectiveness and mitigate compensatory effects, we recommend further evaluating an integrated strategy that combines TNR with complementary methods (e.g., vital resource regulation, ill cat euthanasia, and adoption).Significance StatementThough popular companion animals, domestic cats pose numerous problems when free-roaming, including predation of wildlife, hazards to humans, impaired sanitation, and a decrease in their welfare. Thus, managing their populations is essential. The Trap-Neuter-Return method (TNR, capturing, sterilizing, returning/releasing) is widely employed for managing cat populations. However, its use is under continuous debate due to the lack of long-term controlled evidence. We examined the outcomes of high-intensity TNR by performing a twelve-year controlled field experiment, the largest to date. Neutering over 70% of the cats caused population decline when applied over contiguous areas. However, it was limited by a rebound increase in reproduction and survival. These findings provide a robust quantification of the limitations and the long-term effectiveness of TNR.

Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) against Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) under controlled and open-field conditions on bitter gourd

Background Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the most destructive pest of bitter gourd. Conventionally, it is controlled by chemical insecticides despite their hazardous impacts. Entomopathogenic fungi are considered as eco-friendly and safer alternative of chemical. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against B. cucurbitae on bitter gourd. Results The study revealed that B. bassiana and M. anisopliae were efficient against B. cucurbitae in controlled as well as field conditions. Both mode of application (i.e., contact and oral) were found to be effective; however, high efficacies of them were observed through contact application (73.43 and 59.72%), respectively. Pathogenicity of both fungi increased with increase in concentration and time intervals. Under field conditions, significantly low fruit infestations and significantly a high population reduction of B. cucurbitae were observed at 30 DAT when both fungi were applied with 108 CFU/ml concentrations. Conclusions Beauveria bassiana and M. anisopliae had the potential to be used against B. cucurbitae; however, the former showed high efficiency comparatively.

A Brief Overview: The Persistence and Pandemic of Virulent Newcastle Disease in Birds as Well as Role in Pakistan

The poultry industry is affected by many epidemics and Newcastle Disease (ND) is a constant threat, known as a devastating disease for poultry farmers around the world. According to the average death time of chicken embryos, virus strains can be classified as lentogenic, mesogenic, or velogenic. The current research will clarify the vulnerable host range as well as the epidemiology and geographic distribution of ND in Pakistan. The introduction of the virus into poultry can have serious economic consequences, including the loss of production of sick and dying poultry, the cost of control measures (such as population reduction and disinfection measures), and possible trade restrictions in the event of an outbreak. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with sick poultry or carriers. Infected birds can also spread the virus in their feces. It can also be spread through respiratory secretions, contaminated feed, equipment, water, or feces. We will also discuss vaccines that which vaccines are available for NDV in Pakistan and vaccines can fight against this disease or not? In this study, a qualitative risk analysis was carried out to assess Pakistan's vulnerability to the introduction of virulent NDV strains

How Do Hunters Hunt Wild Boar? Survey on Wild Boar Hunting Methods in the Federal State of Lower Saxony

High wild boar population densities lead to demands for a population reduction to avoid crop damages or epidemic diseases. Along with biological studies, a better understanding of the human influence on wildlife and on wildlife management is important. We conducted inquiries on hunting methods and on hunters’ attitudes in the Federal State of Lower Saxony, Germany, to better understand hunting strategies and the influence on increasing wild boar population, as well as to underpin game management concepts. Single hunt, especially at bait, is still the most widely used method for hunting wild boar. The proportion of drive hunts within the hunting bag is increasing. The proportions of hunting methods vary regionally due to wild boar densities, geographical features (vegetation, terrain, etc.) and hunters’ practices. Hunters increased the proportion of conjoint hunts on wild boar. Baiting remains an important hunting method in wild boar management and the proportion of drive hunts should be fostered. Private hunting is important for wild boar management, although it is just insufficient. Additionally, administrative wildlife managers are recommended for the near future as coordinators of wild boar management, and as such, could manage hunting, the incorporation of regional conditions and investigating hunters’ attitudes and abilities.

Comparative Efficacy of Pre-Tank Insecticides Combination against Bemisia tabaci Genn. on Two Cotton Varieties at Layyah

Whitefly is a serious threat to the cotton production. To find out the most suitable control measure a field experiment was conducted at District Layyah, to compare the efficacy of different pre-tank mix insecticides., viz. Legand (spiromesifen + abamectin), Actify (Isoprocarb + etiprole), Bila (Pyriproxyfen + acetamaprid), Best Guard (buprofezin + nitenpyram), Jeera (Pyriproxyfen + acetamaprid), Rugra (nitenpyram + chlorfenapyr), Editor (acetamaprid + ibiocydam), and Concept Plus (acephate + phenoxaprop) on BT-886 and Non-BT (Shahkar) cotton varieties. Maximum population reduction of adult whitefly after first application of insecticides was found in Legand on BT and Non-BT cotton crop exhibited, 24.37 and 37.66 after 2 days, 53.08 and 55.31 after 4 days and 73.29 and 68.17 after 6 days respectively. Maximum population reduction of nymph whitefly was found in Legand on BT and Non-BT cotton crop exhibited 33.85 and 34.07 after 2 days, 55.10 and 54.49 after 4 days and 74.66 and 75.28 after 6 days respectively. Maximum population reduction of adult whitefly after second application of insecticides was found in Legand on BT and Non-BT cotton crop exhibited, 24.56 and 39.57 after 2 days, 30.29 and 55.97 after 4 days and 71.34 and 69.62 4after 6 days respectively. Maximum population reduction of nymph whitefly was found in Legand on BT and Non-BT cotton crop exhibited 34.07 and 40.52 after 2 days, 54.49, after 4 days and 75.28 and 74.92 after 6 days respectively.