Using population genetic tools to develop a control strategy for feral cats (Felis catus) in Hawai‘i

摘要

Population genetic tools have proven beneficial for the manage-nment and conservation of rare and endangered wildlife (Paetkaunet al. 1997; Spong et al. 2000). Only recently have these toolsnbeen applied in invasive species management (Robertson andnGemmell 2004; Abdelkrim et al. 2005; Rollins et al. 2006).nInvasive species are the main cause of species extinctions innisland ecosystems (Courchamp et al. 1999) and the second mainncause of biodiversity loss after habitat destruction (Vitouseknet al. 1997). Successful management of invasive speciesnrequires identifying a target population of manageable size thatnhas a low recolonisation risk (Robertson and Gemmell 2004).nAttempts to control only a fraction of the population or a sinknpopulation could result in rapid recolonisation (Robertson andnGemmell 2004; Abdelkrim et al. 2005). Identifying routes ofnpotential migration is difficult using direct observations, butnvital for controlling invasive species (Robertson and Gemmelln2004; Abdelkrim et al. 2005; Rollins et al. 2006). Populationngenetics can provide valuable information about the demo-ngraphic status and dynamics of invasive species and maynprovide an alternative approach for developing control strate-ngies (Robertson and Gemmell 2004; Abdelkrim et al. 2005;nPontier et al. 2005).