Stop Importation of Savannah Cats
Date: 22-Jun-08
Author: Graham Taylor
Dear Landcare Members and Friends,
You may have seen recent reports on television news programs and other media concerning the proposal to allow "Savannah Cats" to be imported into Australia without any risk assessment for their potential "feralness". These oversized 'domestic' cats can leap up to 2 metres in the air and represent a real threat to our native wildlife.
Savannahs are considered one of the larger breeds of domesticated cats. They are a cross-breed of a Serval (a wild African predator act) and a domestic cat.
Servals from which the Savannah cat is derived prey on hares, ground squirrels, hyraxes, snakes, lizards, mole rats, frogs, insects, birds (quails, flamingoes, quelea, and teal). They have been known to take domestic poultry. Larger animals such as vlei rats and even small antelopes are preferred, if they can be easily taken.
Savannahs are obviously smaller and unlikely to take on larger prey, but there is the suggestion that they could attack Koalas (who have, up until now, had no natural climbing predator).
These animals pose a high potential of risk to our natural eco-system.
There are a couple of online petitions where people can express their concerns.
www.gopetition.com.au/petitions/savannah-cats.html
www.aussiepythons.com/forum/other-animals/savannah-cats-petition-85386
Alternatively if you do not have faith in online petitions, you may exercise your right to oppose this folly by contacting Environment Minister Garrett directly.
http://www.aph.gov.au/House/members/member.asp?id=hv4
While we strive to eliminate rabbits, foxes, cane toads and numerous other pests that have been introduced to Australia we do not need another potential predator.
Please sign the petitions or write to Environment Minister Garrett to change the import regulations.
Graham Taylor
Information Co-ordinator
Wollombi Valley Landcare Group, Inc.
c/o Wollombi General Store
Wollombi NSW 2325
