Research
Download the WABSI research plan
DownloadRead more about how WABSI are mitigating cat impacts on biodiversity here.
All new feral cat research and management in WA should be aligned with the research plan, so that researchers and managers are answering the questions deemed to be highest priority by the on-ground users. Researchers can submit a short application in any format (recognising that they might be applying for other grants so we accept the same layout).
We circulate project proposals to the Research Committee who will be able to provide some feedback on the project design, contacts or collaborators who may be helpful, or previous work they might not have known about. We have contacts with industry partners looking for priority projects to fund.
The benefits of engaging with the Research Committee are to provide feedback, transparency and avoid duplication of research objectives. We can add value to all projects relating to feral cats in WA by tailoring our advice to other organisations who may be thinking of working on similar topics.
Key points to address:
- Alignment with the research plan (in particular the priorities listed below)
- That the idea is well thought out and feasible
- That there is novelty, or if developing existing work, there is evidence of collaboration/advice sought/synergies with other projects
- Alignment with best practise animal welfare
- Details of budget already secured and budget required
Five focal areas have been identified as key to progressing with management of feral cats:
- Improving existing management (feral cats only);
- Developing novel management (feral cats only);
- Quantifying impacts of cats on native animals;
- Social licence and value proposition; and
- Population ecology and behaviour.
Image credits on this page
Gillian Basnett