Large Wild Feral Cats photographed in the Australian Outback.
These are descendants of common moggies that came aboard the ships of European colonists that settled in the bush in the 1700s and early 1800s. Over the past few centuries these cats have adapted and clearly become a different animal as they fill the apex predator niche in many areas where dingo and fox numbers are scarce. Just like the dingo is the dog “de-domesticated” in the Australian outback, I think the same is happening to these cats.
As a result of a lack of competition over hundreds of years, these wild feral cats have adapted to the many landscapes where they have been introduced. They were originally cats that had come along on ships from Europe. I believe that studies should be done on the reason behind these Felids growing to immense sizes, among other adaptations, to the various environments they have thrived in. Similar to the natural development of the Maine Coon and Sokoke cats or the Cimarrón Uruguayo dog breed.
Feral cats that have been apex predators in large swathes of land for generations should be captured, tested and seen if segments of these feral cat populations have developed into new landraces of cats. The establishment of these large naturally evolved cats as a unique breed may bring awareness to them and create a demand for these new exotic cats.
Please bear in mind again that I am only referring to the successive generations of feral cats living in Australia’s remote outback since the 1700s-1800s. These are not the average free-roaming moggy in the outskirts of Perth that ventures into nearby wildlife areas to wreak havoc. The increased demand and potential media attention will bring light to the situation. Therefore removing them from the wilderness and exported to foreign families. It would certainly thrill many people to have the possibility of owning an apex predator as a pet and I believe it provides an alternative humane way of curbing the feral cat problem in Australia to outright poisoning or shooting like this.
Below are pictures of large wild feral cats that were located in the Australian outback, far from any settlement.
WARNING: PLEASE BE AWARE that some images are graphic as they contain culled cats. Specifically the ones at the bottom. With this warning, please do not blame me for the discomfort you may feel seeing dead cats. It should be all the more reason to help find a better resolution to the feral cat issue in Australia such as this one I have brought forth.
Also see:
- Feral cats in the Australian Alps
- Large feral cat eating kangaroo
- Large feral cat side by side with Kangaroo
Warning, photo’s of culled animals below!
