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The Petaluma Feral Cat Site Endangered Species of Concern Cats don't belong to people. They belong to places. -Wright Morris- |
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ON THIS PAGE City of Petaluma Water Recycling Facility Biological Assessment City of Petaluma PowerPoint Presentation at feral cat special meeting How cat advocates and public were mislead Forgotten Felines Supports TNR in Petaluma Did Nika smelled blood in the wetlands? How you can help Contact City of Petaluma UPDATE Where is Petaluma, California? Other sites by Marcelle Guy Contact: elle@svn.net FIND AT THIS SITE Back to Petaluma Feral Cat Mission Statement Relocating Feral Cats Cats Indoors The real threat to endangered species A Ray of Hope for Petaluma Feral Cats |
Vision
Our
vision is to have a
community where
no kittens are born wild on the street, where no cat capable of living in a home is lacking one, and where no adult feral cats go wanting for food, water, and appropriate care and concern. A Ray of Hope for Petaluma Feral Cats |
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THE BIG CAT THAT'S KILLING WILDLIFE  City of Petaluma and Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Docents Target the wrong cat. Environmental
groups and councils have increasingly called for the confinement of
cats to prevent cats predation on birds and other wildlife. There
has
been a great deal of misinformation and propaganda about the true harm
cats cause. This debate has become
so heated at times, fueled by a minority of vocal cat haters who often
have the ear of government, that people have lost sight of the fact
that it is humans themselves who are the real culprits.
The truth about cats and wildlife |
Cats banned from most
areas of
City of Petaluma
"BORN FERAL"
2009 W.A.V.E. Award Winner for Western States Region To order the dvd "Born Feral" contact: Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County 707-576-7999  To order the story of "The Little Tabby" (2008 W.A.V.E. Award Winner for Western States Region) Contact: Petaluma Community Access Television 707-773-3190 These two videos will melt the coldest heart.  |
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In
2004, Petaluma Animal Shelter Management and Petaluma Wetlands
Alliance Docents drafted a feral cat ordinance that permits them to
trap and kill feral cats caught within half a mile from Petaluma
wetlands areas and one block of any city parks. Problem is,
cats cannot read the signs, so they get trapped and killed by the
hundreds each year. The ordinance, said Petaluma Animal
Shelter Management and Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Docents, is necessary
because cats decimate endangered bird population. The Petaluma
City Councils passed the ordinance and cats, the majority homeless and
ferals, have been trapped and killed by the hundreds each year.
After
learning of these animals' fate, I attended my first City of Petaluma
Animal Services Advisory Committee Meeting in November 2007.
Armed with a new video camera and a tape recorder, what I caught on
tape shocked me. City council members heard my report and were
not responsive. However, pressed by a small group, a special
meeting to discuss the feral cat ordinance was scheduled for February
8, 2008. Some city employees, board members and members of
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance docents stacked the odds against feral cats
listing every possible
reasons feral cats should be trapped and killed. A city water
department employee gave a 21 minute presentation about our new water
recycling facility built in wetlands next to Shollenberger Park.
(wetlands) The PowerPoint presentation was very convincing and
settled
the argument that we could not change the ordinance because, as the
city employee and
chair of the committee said, there were state and federal laws that
prevented changing the ordinance.
I
did not buy it and with friends'help, we began to investigate and spoke
to US Fish and Wildlife Service employee.
Below is what, in my opinion, was a very deceptive
presentation as I went through each specie of concern listed in the
PowerPoint presentation that city water department gave at the feral
cat special meeting. You can see the PowerPoint
Presentation
City
of
Petaluma Water Recycling Facility
Biological Assessment
We
think feral cats are used as
scapegoats to mitigate the damage to wetlands caused by the water
recycling facility built in wetlands area and we want to change this
unfair and cruel ordinance. As you will find in my analysis, feral cats are
not a
threat to these species because these species, according to their own
literature, are not present (or rarely and not in breeding
seasons) in the wetlands.
We want to restore feral cat caregivers'right to care for these innocent animals without the fear of punishment and we want the city to implement a TNR program. (In 2004, Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County offered to implement a TNR program at no cost to the city and the city refused.) List of endangered species of concern the City of Petaluma Water Department presented at the special feral meeting of February 2008 My Conclusion and Solution I have been walking at the
Petaluma Shollenberger Park since 1999, and often with my dog Nika
until she died in 2006. A few years before she died, she began to
resent walking the Schollenberger Park. I tried to coax her,
sweet-talk, gently push and pull. She put the brakes on and
refused to
walk any farther. Finally, I would give up and turned
around. She
instantly pranced with her head and tail up, happily heading to walk
outside the park. It was strange how Nika reacted to
Schollenberger
Park and I never understood it until now. Nika was raised and
lived
her entire life with rescued feral cats. Afghan Hounds are very
sensitive and intuitive animals. I think Nika smelled the blood coming
from the Petaluma wetlands.
Cats are not the only creatures
killed
at Shollenberger Park and Petaluma Wetlands. They kill all
bullfrogs
too. Now, nonnative mute swans are compared to feral
cats. There are too many mute swans and they damage
native plants. I fear for them and I don't know yet if or how
they will get rid of them. But will contact city for
up-date.
 Petaluma
Park docents and City
employees have called animal shelter to trap and kill all cats in
Petaluma parks (including Shollenberger Park)
and wetlands areas since 2004.
(City
of Petaluma killed nearly 500 cats the first ten months of 2007)Cats banned from most areas of
City of Petaluma
 "Nonnative" Feral Cats
trapped and killed in
Petaluma Wetlands.
"Nonnative" Bullfrogs killed in Petaluma Wetlands. "Nonnative"
Mute Swans may be next!
June
19, 2008
 Mute Swan Petaluma Wetlands Alliance docents say "nonnative" mute swans are like feral cats. They are overpopulated and they damage native plants. Picture
Credit
Animal Diversity
Where is Petaluma, California? Petaluma, California is located in beautiful Sonoma County, Prestine Wine Country God's Country, as Luther Burbank referred to Sonoma County 35 Miles north of San Francisco. Population: 59,600 Cats banned from most areas of
City of Petaluma
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Environmental
groups and councils have increasingly called for the confinement of
cats to prevent cats predation on birds and other wildlife. Cats do
some impact on wildlife, like humans they kill to eat, but there has
been a great deal of misinformation and propaganda about the true harm
they cause. This debate has become
so heated at times, fueled by a minority of vocal cat haters who often
have the ear of government, that people have lost sight of the fact
that it is humans themselves who are the real culprits.
(Nowhere has this been more evident than at the City of Petaluma, California where the city built a water recycling facility in the wetlands area adjacent to Shellenberger Park.) Massive, ongoing and largely irreversible damage to the environment by human activity is the main reason for the loss of wildlife, the impact of cats being infinitesimal in comparison. In fact if given a choice, cats do what they have done for millennia, which is to prey mainly on rodents, the so-called pest species that humans have spent millions trying to control. (From several references: Bigpond.com) As I understand it, the City of Petaluma Water Department, the Petaluma Animal Shelter, the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance and the Madrone Audubon Society have made feral cats a convenient scapegoat and they blamed feral cats for damage caused by humans. The City of Petaluma built a water recycling facility in wetlands area adjacent to Shollenberger Park and then used feral cats as part of the package to mitigate the damage done to wildlife. At a special feral cat meeting on February 8, 2008, the City of Petaluma Water Department gave a 21 minute PowerPoint Presentation about the new water recycling facility built in wetlands. The presentation was an educational tool directed at feral cat advocates to convince us that the ordinance, the City of Petaluma passed in 2004 against feral cats, could not be changed because of state and federal laws. The presentation listed seven species of concern on endangered list with state and federal agencies. Below is the list of endangered species of concern the City of Petaluma Water Department used to justify the feral cat ordinance passed by city council of 2004, and drafted by Petaluma Animal Shelter management and Petaluma Wetlands Alliance docents. It is
time for cats' voices to be heard
in Petaluma, California and all over the U.S. Meow, meow, meow, meow, "TNR" "TNR" "TNR" "TNR" |
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Endangered Species of Concern according to City of Petaluma
Salt
Marsh Harvest MouseAnd the reason feral and homeless cats are eradicated from city wetlands (and half mile from) and city parks (and one block from) THREATS Of the 193,800 acres of tidal marsh that bordered San Francisco Bay in 1850, about 30,100 remain. This represents an 84 percent reduction. Furthermore, a number of factors influencing remaining tidal marshes limit their habitat values for salt marsh harvest mice. Much of the East Bay shoreline from San Leandro to Calaveras Point is rapidly eroding. In addition, an estimated 600 acres of former salt marsh along Coyote Creek, Alviso Slough, and Guadalupe Slough, has been converted to fresh- and brackish-water vegetation due to freshwater discharge from South Bay wastewater facilities, and likely no longer supports salt marsh harvest mice. The suitability of many
marshes for
salt marsh harvest mice is further limited, and in some cases
precluded, by their small size, fragmentation, and lack other habitat
features. In addition, the difference between high and low tides is
much greater in the south Bay than in San Pablo or Suisun bays. Many
marshes are completely submerged during high tides and lack sufficient
escape habitat, likely resulting in nesting failures and high rates of
predation. Larger tracts of habitat are needed to maintain stable
populations.
US Fish and Wildlife Service)
According to San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project and several other publications: Special considerations in relation to invasive Spartina: "Harvest mice are rarely found in native cordgrass (S. Foliosa) or alkali bulrush Scirpus)" These are plants growing at Shollenberger Park according to the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance website: Shollenberger Park Plants (8/2006) Question: Why are feral cats trapped and killed if these endangered species are unlikely to be seen on location? (City of Petaluma killed nearly 500 cats the first ten months of 2007 because, they say, cats decimate endangered bird population)California Red-Legged FrogWhat are the threats to their survival? Over the last two decades,
scientists have noted a widespread
decline of frogs and other amphibians, the causes of which are not
fully understood. The decline of the California red-legged frog is
attributed to the spread of exotic predators such as bullfrogs, and the
widespread changes that have fragmented habitat, isolated populations,
and degraded streams. Bullfrogs, introduced to California from Maryland
and Florida in 1896, are more suited to survival in human-disturbed
areas than the native ranids, partly because they can tolerate warmer
water temperatures. The decline signals a loss of diversity and
environmental quality in wetlands and streams that are essential to
clean water and to the survival of most fish and wildlife
species. (US
Fish and Wildlife Service) **(Feral cat not listed as a
predator to the California Red-Legged Frog)
Question:
Why
are feral cats trapped and killed if these endangered species are
unlikely to be seen on location? (City
of Petaluma killed nearly 500 cats the first ten months of 2007
because, they say, cats
decimate endangered bird population)
Western
Pond Turtle |
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In years past, San Diego's Mission Valley supported a large population of these turtles. Due to human encroachment, populations in the valleys and along the coast appear to be less stable than those away from urban sprawl. In some cases populations are enhanced by artificial reservoirs and farm ponds. |
Prey and Predators: Their diet includes small fish, frogs, various aquatic insects, and some plants. Insects are the best represented group of animals in ponds, and make up a large part of the pond turtle diet. The larvae and nymphs of caddisflies and dragonflies probably serve as an important food source.
Predators include raccoon and coyotes. Young turtles are preyed upon by a wider range of creatures, such as raptors, ravens, weasels, and large fish species. (San Diego Natural History Museum) **(Feral cat not listed as a predator to the California Red-Legged Frog)
Question: Why
are feral cats trapped and killed if they are not a threat to this
endangered species?
(City of Petaluma killed nearly 500 cats the first ten months of 2007 because, they say, cats decimate endangered bird population)
California Clapper Rail
THREATS
Of the 193,800 acres of tidal marsh that bordered San Francisco Bay in 1850, about 30,100 acres remain. This is an 84% reduction. Furthermore, a number of factors limit the habitat value of the remaining tidal marshes.
Much of the East Bay shoreline from San Leandro to Calaveras Point is rapidly eroding, and many marshes along this shoreline could lose their clapper rail populations in the future, if they have not already. In addition, an estimated 600 acres of former salt marsh along Coyote Creek, Alviso Slough and Guadalupe Slough, has been converted to fresh- and brackish-water vegetation due to freshwater discharge from South Bay wastewater facilities and is of lower quality for clapper rails.
The suitability of many marshes for clapper rails is further limited by their small size, fragmentation, lack of tidal channel systems and other habitat features. In addition, the difference between high and low tides is much greater in the south Bay than in San Pablo or Suisun bays. Many marshes are completely submerged during high tides and lack sufficient escape habitat. This probably results in nesting failures and high rates of predation. Larger tracts of habitat are needed to maintain stable populations.
Throughout the Bay, the remaining clapper rail population is besieged by mammal and bird predators. At least twelve native and three nonnative predator species are known to prey on the clapper rail or its eggs. Encroaching development not only displaces predators from their natural habitat, but also adversely affects higher order predators, such as coyotes, which would normally limit population levels of middle and lower order predators, especially red foxes. The proliferation of nonnative red foxes into tidal marshes of the South Bay since 1986 has had a serious effect on clapper rail populations.
Nonnative Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are predators of clapper rail nests. Placement of shoreline riprap favors rat populations, which results in greater predation pressure on clapper rails, especially in narrow, linear strip marshes.
Predation impacts are made worse by a reduction in high marsh and natural high tide cover in marshes. Hunting intensity and efficiency by raptors on clapper rails also is increased by electric power transmission lines, which crisscross-cross tidal marshes and provide otherwise-limited hunting perches.
At this point, it is unclear whether the West Nile virus will impact the California clapper rail. See the University of California Davis web page Potential Effects of West Nile Virus on California Wildlife.
Mercury accumulation in eggs is perhaps the most significant contaminant problem, with the South Bay containing the highest levels. Mercury is extremely toxic to bird embryos. (US Fish and Wildlife Service)
** Although the feral cat is not a listed predator to the California Clapper Rail, I spoke to Jim Browning of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on April 23, 2008 and Mr. Browning told me that the feral cat is a predator to the rail, but to eradicate cats from wetlands is not a federal law and must be a city law.
** According to a brochure published by the City of Petaluma Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Birds of Shollenberger Park and the Petaluma Wetlands The California Clapper Rail is: Not observed in spring -- Not observed in summer -- Not present every year in fall -- Not present every year in Winter.
Question: Why are feral cats trapped and killed if these endangered species are not seen or rarely seen on location?
Additionally, the Humane Society of the United States publication of Spring 2008, page 22, "In the U.S. alone, window glass could be killing millions of birds a day."
Of the 193,800 acres of tidal marsh that bordered San Francisco Bay in 1850, about 30,100 acres remain. This is an 84% reduction. Furthermore, a number of factors limit the habitat value of the remaining tidal marshes.
Much of the East Bay shoreline from San Leandro to Calaveras Point is rapidly eroding, and many marshes along this shoreline could lose their clapper rail populations in the future, if they have not already. In addition, an estimated 600 acres of former salt marsh along Coyote Creek, Alviso Slough and Guadalupe Slough, has been converted to fresh- and brackish-water vegetation due to freshwater discharge from South Bay wastewater facilities and is of lower quality for clapper rails.
The suitability of many marshes for clapper rails is further limited by their small size, fragmentation, lack of tidal channel systems and other habitat features. In addition, the difference between high and low tides is much greater in the south Bay than in San Pablo or Suisun bays. Many marshes are completely submerged during high tides and lack sufficient escape habitat. This probably results in nesting failures and high rates of predation. Larger tracts of habitat are needed to maintain stable populations.
Throughout the Bay, the remaining clapper rail population is besieged by mammal and bird predators. At least twelve native and three nonnative predator species are known to prey on the clapper rail or its eggs. Encroaching development not only displaces predators from their natural habitat, but also adversely affects higher order predators, such as coyotes, which would normally limit population levels of middle and lower order predators, especially red foxes. The proliferation of nonnative red foxes into tidal marshes of the South Bay since 1986 has had a serious effect on clapper rail populations.
Nonnative Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are predators of clapper rail nests. Placement of shoreline riprap favors rat populations, which results in greater predation pressure on clapper rails, especially in narrow, linear strip marshes.
Predation impacts are made worse by a reduction in high marsh and natural high tide cover in marshes. Hunting intensity and efficiency by raptors on clapper rails also is increased by electric power transmission lines, which crisscross-cross tidal marshes and provide otherwise-limited hunting perches.
At this point, it is unclear whether the West Nile virus will impact the California clapper rail. See the University of California Davis web page Potential Effects of West Nile Virus on California Wildlife.
Mercury accumulation in eggs is perhaps the most significant contaminant problem, with the South Bay containing the highest levels. Mercury is extremely toxic to bird embryos. (US Fish and Wildlife Service)
** Although the feral cat is not a listed predator to the California Clapper Rail, I spoke to Jim Browning of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on April 23, 2008 and Mr. Browning told me that the feral cat is a predator to the rail, but to eradicate cats from wetlands is not a federal law and must be a city law.
** According to a brochure published by the City of Petaluma Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Birds of Shollenberger Park and the Petaluma Wetlands The California Clapper Rail is: Not observed in spring -- Not observed in summer -- Not present every year in fall -- Not present every year in Winter.
Question: Why are feral cats trapped and killed if these endangered species are not seen or rarely seen on location?
Additionally, the Humane Society of the United States publication of Spring 2008, page 22, "In the U.S. alone, window glass could be killing millions of birds a day."
(City of Petaluma killed nearly 500 cats the first ten months of 2007 because, they say, cats decimate endangered bird population)
The California Black Rail:
Threats
to Black Rail
Loss of habitat and alteration due to urbanization, water and flood-control projects, agricultural practices, salt production, and livestock grazing were and continue to be significant factors in the species decline. Habitat loss alone has led to the complete extirpation of southern California population. The continued diversion of freshwater inflows into north San Francisco Bay and the quickening rise in sea lever is another threat to black rails. Contamination in the estuarine system by oil refineries, chemical plants, nuclear weapons depots, and a variety of manufacturing companies could also threaten the species. Isolated populations of black rails are also highly susceptible to metapolution dynamics and stochastic variables. Black rails are also occasionally found dead from domestic cats and collisions with power-lines, smokestacks, transmission-towers, and automobiles.
(California Black Rail Natural Species Accounts of Solano Co.)
Threats
The primary threat to Black Rails is the loss and fragmentation of habitat. It is estimated that half of the historical coastal wetlands have been filled or drained along the eastern coastline. In San Francisco Bay, 95% of existing tidal marshes have been drained. This loss of habitat has drastically reduced the amount of suitable land available to this species. Although the rate of wetland loss has now slowed, changes are still occurring. Mosquito control programs include measures to change the hydrology of wetlands and often include the use of pesticides, both of which could have unintended consequences for Black Rails. (Audubon Watchlist - Black Rail)
Threats to Black Rail
Loss of habitat and alteration due to urbanization, water and flood-control projects, agricultural practices, salt production, and livestock grazing were and continue to be significant factors in the species decline. Habitat loss alone has led to the complete extirpation of southern California population. The continued diversion of freshwater inflows into north San Francisco Bay and the quickening rise in sea lever is another threat to black rails. Contamination in the estuarine system by oil refineries, chemical plants, nuclear weapons depots, and a variety of manufacturing companies could also threaten the species. Isolated populations of black rails are also highly susceptible to metapolution dynamics and stochastic variables. Black rails are also occasionally found dead from domestic cats and collisions with power-lines, smokestacks, transmission-towers, and automobiles.
(California Black Rail Natural Species Accounts of Solano Co.)
Threats
The primary threat to Black Rails is the loss and fragmentation of habitat. It is estimated that half of the historical coastal wetlands have been filled or drained along the eastern coastline. In San Francisco Bay, 95% of existing tidal marshes have been drained. This loss of habitat has drastically reduced the amount of suitable land available to this species. Although the rate of wetland loss has now slowed, changes are still occurring. Mosquito control programs include measures to change the hydrology of wetlands and often include the use of pesticides, both of which could have unintended consequences for Black Rails. (Audubon Watchlist - Black Rail)
Threats to Black Rail
Threats to black rail populations fall into three basic categories: habitat loss, predation, and contamination. Habitat loss is the most obvious, and has led to the complete extirpation of southern California populations (Garrett and Dunn 1981, Unitt 1984). Despite present laws that halt the destruction of tidal marshes (Briscoe 1979), urbanization and land use practices continue to threaten black rail habitat. Threats to remaining habitat are exacerbated by the continued diversion of freshwater inflows into north San Francisco Bay (Rozengurt et al. 1987) and the quickening rise in sea level. In marshes that lack the transitional vegetation between the high marsh and upland cover, predation of black rails by great egrets, northern harriers, and occasionally great blue herons can be intense (Evens and Page, 1986). This zone of peripheral, seldom submerged halophytes acts as a refuge during highest tides (Shellhammer 1982). Most remaining marshes have had this zone reduced or fully eliminated by the effects of grazing and diking (USFWS 1979, Evens and Page 1986). At present, little is known about the extent or the effects of contamination in the estuarine system (Evens, et al. 1989). However, because north San Francisco Bay supports oil refineries, chemical plants, nuclear weapons depots, and a variety of manufacturing companies, this issue is of concern.
Black rails occur in marshland only, a habitat mostly destroyed or modified in the western United States since the mid-1800's (Atwater et al. 1979, Zedler 1982, Josselyn 1983, Nichols et al. 1986). Populations and numbers have declined and will continue to decline as loss and alteration of habitat continues. Currently the species is confined to mostly pristine remnants of historical tidal marshlands, mainly along the large tributaries and shoreline of northern San Pablo Bay, along the Carquinez Straight, and throughout parts of Suisun Bay (Evens, et al. 1991). The marshes of San Pablo and Suisun bays are important in that they are the last large refuge areas for a viable population. There is no evidence that black rails recolonize restored marshes for breeding (Evens et al. 1989). (Wildlife of the Suisun Marsh, Black Rail)
According to a brochure published by the City of Petaluma Dept. of
Parks &
Recreation, Birds of Shollenberger
Park and the Petaluma Wetlands The California Black Rail is: Uncommon to be seen in Spring -- Not seen in Summer -- Not seen in Fall --
Uncommon to be seen in Winter.
Question: Why are feral cats trapped and killed if these endangered species are not seen or rarely seen on location?
_______
Additionally, the Humane Society of the United States publication of Spring 2008, page 22, "In the U.S. alone, window glass could be killing millions of birds a day."
Question: Why are feral cats trapped and killed if these endangered species are not seen or rarely seen on location?
_______
Additionally, the Humane Society of the United States publication of Spring 2008, page 22, "In the U.S. alone, window glass could be killing millions of birds a day."
(City of Petaluma killed nearly 500 cats the first ten months of 2007 because, they say, cats decimate endangered bird population)
Little Willow Flycatcher
THREATS TO THE WILLOW FLYCATCHER AND HABITAT
The greatest historical factor
in the decline of the
willow flycatcher is the extensive loss, fragmentation, and
modification of riparian breeding habitat. Large-scale losses of
wetlands have occurred, particularly those associated with riverine systems in both valley and montane settings (Phillips et al. 1964, Johnson and Haight 1984, Katibah 1984,
Klebenow & Oakleaf 1984, Unsicker et al. 1984, Johnson et al. 1987, Unitt 1987). Changes in the hydrology and riparian plant community have reduced, degraded and
eliminated nesting habitat for the willow flycatcher, contributing to its decline in distribution and numbers (Serena 1982, Cannon and Knopf 1984, Klebenow & Oakleaf
1984, Taylor & Littlefield 1986, Unitt 1987, Schlorff 1990). Habitat losses and changes have occurred (and continue to occur) because of urban, recreational, and agricultural
development, water diversion and impoundment, channelization, livestock grazing, and replacement of native habitats by introduced plant species (Klebenow & Oakleaf 1984,
Unsicker 1984, Scott & Marquiss 1984, Katibah 1984, Dull 1999). Hydrological changes, natural or man-made, can greatly reduce the quality and extent of willow
flycatcher habitat (Sogge et al. 1997b). Although riparian areas are often not considered as fire-prone, several sites with relatively large numbers of breeding southwestern willow
flycatchers were recently destroyed by fire (Paxton et al. 1996).
Brood parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird is another potentially significant threat to willow flycatchers in California, especially in lowland parts of their range (Davis 1938,
Grinnell & Miller 1944, Friedman 1963, Whitfield 1990, Whitfield & Enos 1996, Whitfield and Sogge 1999). The cowbird lays its eggs in host nests, and the host raises
the cowbird young, often to the detriment or death of the host’s young. At 11 low elevation sites in California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico, the mean annual percent
of southwestern willow flycatcher nests parasitized by brown-headed cowbirds ranged from 0-66% prior to the onset of cowbird trapping efforts (Whitfield & Sogge 1999).
Additionally in these same areas 75% of willow flycatcher nests failed completely when parasitized, and only 11% of willow flycatcher eggs survived to fledging in parasitized
nests (Whitfield & Sogge 1999). Similarly, Sedgwick and Iko (1999) found that in southeastern Oregon, parasitism rates for willow flycatchers averaged 23.4% and ranged
from 17.3% to 51.4% over a 10 year period. Only 17.3% of willow flycatcher eggs in parasitized nests survived to fledge (Sedgwick & Iko 1999). Eight instances of cowbird
brood parasitism are documented for willow flycatchers in the central-northern Sierra Nevada at elevations above 6,000 feet (Gaines 1977, Sanders & Flett 1989, Bombay et al.
1998, Bombay et al. 1999, Morrison et al. 1999). Seven of these 8 nests were confirmed to produce only cowbirds, or no young at all (Sanders & Flett 1989, Bombay et al. 1998,
Bombay et al. 1999, Morrison et al. 1999). The fate of the 8th nest is unknown. While this rate is low, relative to brood parasitism rates in other areas, it is not insignificant
given the small willow flycatcher population in the Sierra Nevada, particularly in the Lake Tahoe Basin, where 4 of 12 nests discovered in 1998 and 1999 were parasitized.
(A Willow Flycatcher Survey)
wetlands have occurred, particularly those associated with riverine systems in both valley and montane settings (Phillips et al. 1964, Johnson and Haight 1984, Katibah 1984,
Klebenow & Oakleaf 1984, Unsicker et al. 1984, Johnson et al. 1987, Unitt 1987). Changes in the hydrology and riparian plant community have reduced, degraded and
eliminated nesting habitat for the willow flycatcher, contributing to its decline in distribution and numbers (Serena 1982, Cannon and Knopf 1984, Klebenow & Oakleaf
1984, Taylor & Littlefield 1986, Unitt 1987, Schlorff 1990). Habitat losses and changes have occurred (and continue to occur) because of urban, recreational, and agricultural
development, water diversion and impoundment, channelization, livestock grazing, and replacement of native habitats by introduced plant species (Klebenow & Oakleaf 1984,
Unsicker 1984, Scott & Marquiss 1984, Katibah 1984, Dull 1999). Hydrological changes, natural or man-made, can greatly reduce the quality and extent of willow
flycatcher habitat (Sogge et al. 1997b). Although riparian areas are often not considered as fire-prone, several sites with relatively large numbers of breeding southwestern willow
flycatchers were recently destroyed by fire (Paxton et al. 1996).
Brood parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird is another potentially significant threat to willow flycatchers in California, especially in lowland parts of their range (Davis 1938,
Grinnell & Miller 1944, Friedman 1963, Whitfield 1990, Whitfield & Enos 1996, Whitfield and Sogge 1999). The cowbird lays its eggs in host nests, and the host raises
the cowbird young, often to the detriment or death of the host’s young. At 11 low elevation sites in California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico, the mean annual percent
of southwestern willow flycatcher nests parasitized by brown-headed cowbirds ranged from 0-66% prior to the onset of cowbird trapping efforts (Whitfield & Sogge 1999).
Additionally in these same areas 75% of willow flycatcher nests failed completely when parasitized, and only 11% of willow flycatcher eggs survived to fledging in parasitized
nests (Whitfield & Sogge 1999). Similarly, Sedgwick and Iko (1999) found that in southeastern Oregon, parasitism rates for willow flycatchers averaged 23.4% and ranged
from 17.3% to 51.4% over a 10 year period. Only 17.3% of willow flycatcher eggs in parasitized nests survived to fledge (Sedgwick & Iko 1999). Eight instances of cowbird
brood parasitism are documented for willow flycatchers in the central-northern Sierra Nevada at elevations above 6,000 feet (Gaines 1977, Sanders & Flett 1989, Bombay et al.
1998, Bombay et al. 1999, Morrison et al. 1999). Seven of these 8 nests were confirmed to produce only cowbirds, or no young at all (Sanders & Flett 1989, Bombay et al. 1998,
Bombay et al. 1999, Morrison et al. 1999). The fate of the 8th nest is unknown. While this rate is low, relative to brood parasitism rates in other areas, it is not insignificant
given the small willow flycatcher population in the Sierra Nevada, particularly in the Lake Tahoe Basin, where 4 of 12 nests discovered in 1998 and 1999 were parasitized.
(A Willow Flycatcher Survey)
According to a brochure published by the City of Petaluma Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Birds of Shollenberger Park and the Petaluma Wetlands The Willow Flycatcher is: Not seen in Spring -- Rarely seen in Summer -- Only a few times in Fall -- Not seen in Winter.
Question: Why are feral cats trapped and killed if these endangered species are not seen or rarely seen on location?
________
Additionally, the Humane Society of the United States publication of Spring 2008, page 22, "In the U.S. alone, window glass could be killing millions of birds a day."
(City of Petaluma killed nearly 500 cats the first ten months of 2007 because, they say, cats decimate endangered bird population)
Argument in defence of cats
Cats are the world’s most
popular companion animal. In the
mind of felinophiles, and that’s millions of people worldwide, there is
little competition when it comes to the cats versus wildlife debate -
the cats win every time and let’s face it, they have as much right to
live as any species of wildlife or any other animal on earth.
Research indicates that nearly 50% of domestic cats do not hunt at all. Of those that do, nearly 40% catch rats and mice only. 24% catch introduced birds. Only 4% of domestic cats catch native birds. Stray cats mainly eat rats, mice and garbage. (F Seymour, ANZFAS article)
Unfortunately
and more so than with any other animal, cats
can also engender fierce hatred in a small but often very vocal and
persuasive group of people. Nowhere has this been more evident than in
Petaluma, California where in 2004, the City of Petaluma built a water
recycling facility in wetlands adjacent of Shollenberger Park and then
used feral cats in the package to mitigate the damage to
wetlands. Petaluma Animal Shelter
Management and Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Docents drafted a feral cat
ordinance that permits them to trap and kill feral cats caught within
Petaluma wetlands and half a mile from any wetlands areas and in within
city parks and one block of any city
parks. Problem is, cats cannot read the signs, so they get
trapped and
killed by the hundreds each year.
(City of Petaluma killed nearly 500 cats the first ten months of 2007 because, they say, cats decimate endangered bird population)
The anti-cat campaign in
Petaluma has been successful at killing thousands of cats for the past
four years. Ask anyone within that small but powerful and vocal
group and they will tell you they don't like cats because they kill
birds. The Petaluma Wetlands Alliance docents give tours
to
Petaluma visitors and school children at Shollenberger Park. They
say
-- Visitors don't come to Petaluma to see the cats. They come to see the birds. And school kids don't come to see the cats. They come to see the birds. -- When asked, a Petaluma Wetlands Alliance docent told me that if they see a cat at Shollenberger Park, they are to call animal shelter to trap the cat.
Like Shollenberger Park docents said: "Visitors don't come to see the cats. They come to see the birds". I wonder, how many cats must die for visitors? How many cats must die to save one or two birds?
At the February 2008 special feral cat meeting, Gerald Moore, a Petaluma Wetlands Alliance docent, said: One morning I was sitting on my patio and this cat comes around with a bird in his mouth. Fifteen minutes later he is back with another bird in his mouth. Another fifteen minutes later the same cat is back again with another bird in his mouth . . . His time was up and a good thing otherwise he would have us convinced that the same cat killed 100 birds or more that day.
-- Visitors don't come to Petaluma to see the cats. They come to see the birds. And school kids don't come to see the cats. They come to see the birds. -- When asked, a Petaluma Wetlands Alliance docent told me that if they see a cat at Shollenberger Park, they are to call animal shelter to trap the cat.
Like Shollenberger Park docents said: "Visitors don't come to see the cats. They come to see the birds". I wonder, how many cats must die for visitors? How many cats must die to save one or two birds?
At the February 2008 special feral cat meeting, Gerald Moore, a Petaluma Wetlands Alliance docent, said: One morning I was sitting on my patio and this cat comes around with a bird in his mouth. Fifteen minutes later he is back with another bird in his mouth. Another fifteen minutes later the same cat is back again with another bird in his mouth . . . His time was up and a good thing otherwise he would have us convinced that the same cat killed 100 birds or more that day.
These
are the people who wrote the Petaluma feral cat ordinance of
2004. And the
council believed them and passed the ordinance unanimously. And
for the Petaluma animal shelter, it was a big victory. Trap and
kill began legally. Cats once abandoned by
uncaring guardians were now victimized again. Cats are banned from most areas
of City of Petaluma
May 17, 2004 -
(From Petaluma Wetlands Alliance website)
PETALUMA PASSES NEW FERAL CAT ORDINANCE
* * * * * * * * *
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance members Gerald
Moore and Bob Dyer serve on a "Feral Cat" Committee
for the City of Petaluma and drafted a Municipal Code ordinance on feral cats.
Feral cats are a menace to park wildlife.
(From Petaluma Wetlands Alliance website)for the City of Petaluma and drafted a Municipal Code ordinance on feral cats.
Feral cats are a menace to park wildlife.
(City of Petaluma killed nearly 500 cats the first ten months of 2007 because, they say, cats decimate endangered bird population)
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August 6, 2008 Marcelle: This is the
statement
that will be read on my behalf at tonight’s meeting. Good Luck! To Petaluma Animal Shelter Advisory
Committee and attendees.
We fully
support any changes to the
current Petaluma feral cat ordinance that
will
support life “saving” rather than life “taking”
measures to reduce and control feral cat populations in the
city. Should the
City Council move to make the
recommended revisions to the ordinance which allow for a TNR program, Forgotten
Felines will be available to coordinate volunteers, educate caretakers
and
provide spay/neuter surgeries to anyone needing our services. We will be
happy to work autonomously
or in cooperation with any other individuals or non-profits willing to
assist
in these efforts. With everyone in agreement and cooperating, a
properly
run TNR program will
result in altered, healthy, properly managed
colonies and the eventual overall reduction in the feral cat population.
Jennifer
Kirchner |
Note:
I don't go out of my way to find articles about bird predators, but only recently I have been paying more attention and
I have not found any newspaper story about cats mass killing of birds.
But human activity as the main reason for the loss of endangered species and wildlife can be found routinely.
It is time for cats' voices to be heard
in Petaluma, California
and all over the U.S.
Meow, meow, meow, meow,
"TNR"
"TNR"
"TNR"
"TNR"
Watersheds being watched as possible toxin sourceUNION-TRIBUNE
STAFF WRITER
May 31, 2008
The recent deaths of nearly 100 cliff swallows near
the public dock at
Lower Otay Lake – plus five deaths reported yesterday at El Capitan
Reservoir – have created a stink and prompted an investigation by the
county veterinarian.
Researchers haven't found a threat to humans, but a final
determination
isn't likely until next week. Officials for the lakes, which function
as reservoirs for the city of San Diego, are monitoring the situation
closely in case the cause is a toxin in the watersheds. (San
Diego Bay) |
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Lead poisoning eyed as
threat to California condor
Posted 10/23/2006 10:43
PM ET
By John Ritter, USA TODAY SAN FRANCISCO — One of the great
feel-good
environmental stories of the past 30 years is the recovery of the
majestic California condor, North America's largest bird, a
scavenger-turned-billboard for the campaign to save endangered species.
On the brink of extinction, saved by a captive-breeding program, the condor population has grown from just 22 birds in 1982 to 289 today; 135 are in the wild and more are released every year. Even so, condors have failed to gain a secure foothold in the hills and deserts of California and Arizona because of lead poisoning, the most often diagnosed cause of death, environmentalists say. Environmental groups say the most likely
source
is condors' eating of game that was shot by hunters using lead bullets.
Frustrated that most hunters have not switched to substitutes, the
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and other groups notified
California officials in July that they will sue under the Endangered
Species Act to force a ban. More at USA
Today |
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| Lead poisoning threatens condors June 4, 2008 Press Democrat news services / Los Angeles U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials are in "crisis mode" because seven endangered California condors have been found with lead poisoning in the weeks leading up to a statewide ban on lead bullets. The birds started turning up sick about a month ago during random trappings at Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge in the southwestern San Joaquin Valley foothills of Kern County. One bird died during treatment at the Los Angeles Zoo, where four other birds are still undergoing treatment. One chick ant its mother were on their way to the zoo to undergo treatment. Given that there are only about 34 of the endangered birds in Southern California, officials called the number significant. A state law prohibiting hunters from using lead bullets in areas where condors live takes effect July1. |
Note: I don't go out of my way to find articles about bird predators, but only recently I have been paying more attention and I have not found any newspaper story about cats mass killing of birds. But human activity as the main reason for the loss of endangered species and wildlife can be found routinely. It is
time for cats' voices to be heard
in Petaluma, California and all over the U.S. Meow, meow, meow, meow, "TNR" "TNR" "TNR" "TNR" |
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| My Conclusion and Solution Petaluma:
According to Petaluma Animal Shelter management, prior to 2004, there were approximately 40 feral cat colony caregivers in Petaluma. At the Animal Services Advisory Committee meeting of November 2007, that number was down to one or two according to Petaluma Animal Shelter management. So what did the 2004 Petaluma feral cat ordinance accomplished? Thousands of dead cats and still counting, cats starving and allowed to multiply indiscriminately, punished caregivers, and created great harm and heartbreak within this community, and still do. |
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(City
of Petaluma killed nearly 600 cats the first nine months of 2007)
The
Petaluma Feral Cat Ordinance
banned cats from most areas of
City of Petaluma
E-mail or Phone Petaluma City Councilmembers Tell them we need to change the Petaluma feral cat ordinance NOW!
Please join us in support for Petaluma homeless and feral cats: Important meetings to attend: City of Petaluma Animal Services Advisory Committee Meeting: Wednesday August 6, 2008 7:00pm Lucchesi Center 320 No. McDowell Blvd Petaluma, California 94954 707-778-4396 Update: August 10, 2008 The subcommittee submitted their recommendations to Petaluma City Council. They recommend to remove 1/2 mile around the wetlands and one block around city parks. It is a small victory and now it is up to Petaluma City Council. October 20, 2008 A Ray of Hope for Petaluma Feral Cats Feral cat ordinance will be decided by Petaluma City Council Monday, May 18, 2009 7:00 P.M. Petaluma City Hall Come and speak for these homeless cats. 11 English Street Petaluma, CA 94952 phone: 707.778.4360 fax: 707.778.4554 email: cityclerk@ci.petaluma.ca.us |
To read the Petaluma Feral Cats Ordinance click on the following link The Petaluma Feral Cats Ordinance
 Also we do not tolerate bees within the City of Petaluma
 
Right click on the banner or little tabby to save it to your hard drive and please link it back to: http://www.svn.net/elle/tabby.htm  elle@svn.net |
Other sites
By Marcelle Guy
Elle
on the Web Emergency Preparedness Don't leave your pets behind All About Petaluma Petaluma Sandalwood Estates The story Where
to . . . in Petaluma
Petaluma Sandalwood Estates Mourning   Looking
forward to 2010 City of Petaluma Council Elections Pamela Torliatt Will Karen Nau run in 2010? |
Petaluma Feral Cats Tribute to Max, Petaluma Police K-9 Officer My Rescued Kittens A Little Tabby speaks for the feral cats of the world Trap Spay Neuter A Family and their Pet Potbellied Pigs The Northern California Bulletin Board A voice for our companion animals Prayers
for Animals
"I hold
that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to
protection by man from the cruelty of man."
Mohandas
Gandhi Please help Petaluma Feral Cats |
 Peace on Earth Gentle Hearts Gather (Coming soon) In
Memory of Damini
"BORN FERAL"
2009 W.A.V.E. Award Winner for Western States Region To order the dvd "Born Feral" contact: Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County 707-576-7999 To order the story of "The Little Tabby" (2008 W.A.V.E. Award Winner for Western States Region) Contact: Petaluma Community Access Television 707-773-3190 These two videos will melt the coldest heart. |
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Contact:
elle@svn.net
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personal website and the information published and opinions expressed
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