Scientists rally to keep out 'supercats'

[Andrew Taylor <>]

On Fri, Jun 13, 2008 at 12:41:47PM +1000, Peter Shute wrote:
> > d) increase/decrease the number of bird species present?
> > [I'd guess increase more likely, but hard to guess]
> How?

The presence of a predator may increase species diversity by preventing
a single species monpolizing a resource.  Canberra cats by preying on
mynahs might prevent them out-competing parrots for nest sites.
The notion dates back at least to Darwin.  Its been demonstrated
in predator removal experiments, and thats probably what you'd need
to determine whether suburban cats increase or decrease diversity.
Impact outside suburbia is a different question and Stephen Ambrose
indicated whats known there.

Andrew