Tamworth Birdwatchers Inc (TBW) actively promote the conservation of birds and their habitats, through participation in local research, responsible birdwatching, community education and advocacy. 

Native birds play an essential role in the functioning of natural ecosystems and can be an asset to agricultural production.  Sadly, our local birds are under increasing pressure.  Twenty-seven bird species from our LGA are facing the threat of extinction.  This is the result of habitat loss, climate change, feral birds, foxes and cats. 

TBW have identified Cats and Feral Birds as key priority areas for our conservation efforts. 

Cats 

Feral, stray and roaming cats pose a major threat to the survival of our local native birds.

We are losing just under one million local native birds, mammals and reptiles each and every year in our local area.  Even well-fed, cute and fluffy domestic cats will likely hunt and kill native birds. 

How you can help us!

• Keep your pet cat contained 24/7, either inside your home or in a cat run;
• Have your cat desexed by 5 months of age;
• Reconsider the gift of a kitten;  
• Start conversations with others about the impact of cats on native birdlife; 
• Write to your local MP to say you want stronger legislation to curb uncontrolled cat breeding and roaming. 
• Control your feral cat populations if you live on a rural property.  Ask North West Local Land Services for assistance.

What is the size of the cat problem in our local area? 

27,727 dwellings (households) in Tamworth Regional Council Area 

27% of households have at least one pet cat 

This is equivalent to 7,486 ‘cat owning households’ 

Of these households, about half have two or more pet cats 

SO, the cat population in the local area is approx. 

3743 + 7486 = 11,229 domestic (pet) cats 

(8 x as many cats as we do Barraba residents) 

71% of ‘cat households’ allow their cats to freely roam all/part of the day 

For us, that is 5,315 households (or about 7,972 cats which are likely ‘hunting’) 

If 110 NATIVE animals are killed each year PER free-roaming pet cat then 

we are losing 876,920 native birds, mammals and reptiles every year, 

just in the Tamworth area 

(7,972 roaming cats x 110 native animals = 876,920) 

And! we are only talking about domestic cats 

(this does not include feral cats that are killing 740 animals per year) 

Many owners believe their cats don’t hunt because they never come across ‘evidence’. The vast majority (85%) of animals killed by cats are not brought home – owners are unaware of the carnage their pet cat is doing. 

“Many of Australia’s native species cannot withstand these high levels of predation and will becoming increasingly at risk of extinction, unless the problem of cats in Australia is solved” 

Sources: 

Census Usual resident population (2021) Population and dwellings | Tamworth Regional Council | Community profile (id.com.au) 

Threatened Species Recovery Hub. Science for Saving Species. The impact of pet cats on Australian wildlife 

Feral Birds 

Several species of feral birds have established in our region since European arrival. These include the Indian or Common Myna, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow, Spotted Dove and Rock Dove (or Feral Pigeon). 

Feral birds compete with native birds for food, water and nesting sites.  They can displace native birds in gardens, spread disease and weeds and cause damage to crops and infrastructure. 

TBW have identified the Common ‘Indian’ Myna as being the greatest concern to local birdlife and biodiversity. 

Key Facts about the Common ‘Indian’ Myna:

• It is an introduced, highly aggressive, feral pest that is posing an increasing threat to a) public health b) public amenity and c) local biodiversity. 
• The prolific breeding rate (i.e. 10 young per breeding pair/year) means that if ignored, we risk an exponential increase in numbers in our local area in the next few years.

‘You can have native birds or Indian Mynas – but not both‘ Ian Fraser – Naturalist

How you can help us!

• Ensure uneaten pet food is brought inside
• Refrain from putting out bird seed / scraps 
• Join the Facebook group: ‘Tamworth and Surrounds Indian Myna Control Program’
• Purchase a feral bird trap from Tamworth Birdwatchers (includes instructions)
• Reduce lawn areas around the home – transition to a native garden with plenty of shrubs and native grasses (e.g. Lomandra, Dianella etc). 
• Plant prickly native shrubs and vines to support small birds.
• Avoid planting exotic trees which offer roosting sites e.g. Palm trees 
• Join Landcare and help revegetate natural woodlands, bushland and local green spaces with native vegetation. 

TBW is acting to address the problem of cats and feral birds in a variety of ways: 

• Community awareness and education e.g. via TV and press stories, Facebook and interactive information stands at community events;
• Manufacturing low-cost feral bird traps;
• Engaging all levels of Government (e.g. in amending legislation / undertaking control measures);
• Encouraging partnerships with Council e.g. to introduce humane euthanasia programs which complement trapping by local citizens;
• Preparing written submissions for relevant Government Plans and strategies;
• Partnering with like-minded organisations like Tamworth Regional Landcare Association.

Myna traps available for purchase for $45

These traps are made by Tamworth Birdwatchers members and are available from: 

Tamworth Nursery
12 Phillip St, West Tamworth NSW 2340

Phone (02) 6765 9734