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Australia: Feral cats threaten extinction of species

Ap
Thursday 24 March 2011 01:00 GMT
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Up to 45 rare species of wallaby, bandicoot and other Australian animals could become extinct within 20 years, scientists warn.

Dozens of mammals, birds, lizards and other vertebrates in the remote north-western Kimberley region are at risk from hunting by feral cats and from destruction of their habitat by wild donkeys, goats and fires, a study by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation found.

"We're in the midst of a massive extinction event. The north has been the last stronghold for many species," said study co-author Tara Martin.

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