General News

24 October, 2025

Ararat Landcare gives a shout out to the Aussie Bird Count

The Aussie Bird Count is a fun, easy way for all of us to take a national snapshot of the birds we see and to start noticing the nature around us. With just 20 minutes, you can help build a picture of how our feathered friends are faring and contribute to something that really counts. Birds are everywhere - in our backyards, balconies, local parks and schoolyards, and they have amazing stories to tell about the health of our environment. Right now, one in six Australian birds faces the threat of extinction, making it more important than ever to pay attention. So especially in this national bird count week that promotes the awareness of the importance birds (and other native animals), Ararat Landcare want to talk about what are recognised as both invasive species and predator -- the house cat. The management of cats has major implications for Australia’s wildlife. Radio tracking, video collars and poo analysis has revealed the roaming and hunting habits of pet cats. Cats have been shown to cause great harm to our native animals. Pet cats, despite their valued role as companion animals, are a major threat to wildlife. On average, each roaming, hunting pet cat kills more than three birds or animals every week. The numbers add up, over a year each roaming and a hunting pet cat in Australia kills 186 animals. This number includes 110 native animals (40 reptiles, 38 birds and 32 mammals). Ararat Rural city regulations read that pets should be confined to their owners’ property. Ararat Landcare asks us to think about keeping moggy indoors. Cats can thrive indoors and live longer, healthier lives free from the risks of being hit by a car, fighting with other cats or dog attack. Many thoughtful cat owners provide a safe environment that promotes positive wellbeing for their cat at home all day and night, every day. To participate in the Aussie Bird Count visit https://birdlife.org.au/events/aussie-bird-count-2025/

By Craig Wilson

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