IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Silmi, M.; Mislan,; Anggara, S.; Dahlen, B. | |
| Using leopard cats (_Prionailurus bengalensis_) as biological pest control of rats in a palm oil plantation | |
| 2013 Journal of Indonesian Natural History (1): 31-36 | |
This study suggests that leopard cats, _Prionailurus bengalensis_, can be very effective rodent controllers in oil palm plantations. Although it is not possible to compare the rat controlling effect of leopard cat with that of barn owls, _Tyta alba javanica_, there is enough evidence for plantation operators to consider improving the habitat conditions for a native larger predator rather than spending significant additional funds to purchase and erect thousands of nest boxes for barn owls in areas where it is not native. From a conservation perspective, the introduction and promotion of barn owls is an unnecessary expenditure. In Central Kalimantan, barn owls are exotic species that may compete with a native mammal species such as leopard cats which are already present and effectively maintain rat populations at levels that are economically insignificant to palm oil production. However, more studies are needed to determine to what degree leopard cats and barn owls may increase rodent predation pressure or reduce it due to intraspecific competition |
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