关键词: 流浪猫, 种群数量, 种群动态, 繁殖参数

Abstract: The free-ranging cat is a significant threat to global biodiversity, yet there is a dearth of research on the fundamental biology of these non-domesticated felines within China. Between 2018 and 2022, we undertook a comprehensive study focusing on the population dynamics and reproductive biology of free-ranging cats on the Xianlin Campus of Nanjing University, which covers approximately 195 hectares. Utilizing point sampling surveys conducted over a continuous 20-day period, we generated a population accumulation curve for the cat population. Despite having pre-existing knowledge of the cats’distribution, we found that a single day of sampling yielded a discovery rate of only 51. 22%, with a confidence interval of 44. 51% to 53. 66%. This rate improved to 84. 15% (confidence interval: 81. 10% to 86. 59%) following six days of repeated sampling efforts. From 2018 to 2022, the cat population on the Xianlin Campus of Nanjing University saw a swift increase, rising from 51 individuals in 2018 to 220 by 2022. To delve into the population’s dynamics and reproductive patterns, we conducted detailed monthly surveys six times between March 2021 and March 2022. Over this period, we documented a total of 273 cats, comprising 149 adults and 124 kittens, with a near-even sex ratio. The one-year retention rate for the cats was approximately 58. 71%, with a marked difference favoring neutered cats over their unneutered counterparts in terms of survival. Regarding reproduction, while cats are capable of breeding year-round, the peak breeding season is predominantly from March to June. Among the 65 recorded litters, 84 cats survived past the six-month mark. Assuming an average litter size of 3 to 4 kittens, the survival rate of these feral cats on the campus at six months was estimated to be around 36. 92%, with a range of 32. 31% to 43. 08%. Our findings suggest that sampling efforts of low intensity may have led to an underestimation of the free-ranging cat population. Furthermore, in an environment where human care is abundant, the survival and reproductive success rates of these cats remain high, unaffected by limitations in food, shelter, or disease. This presents considerable challenges for the control and management of free-ranging cat populations.

Key words: Stray cats, Population number, Population dynamics, Reproductive parameters