A stray cat exterminated a small colony small squirrel living on the ground and considered in danger and had found refuge at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Farm.
According to the Postagetikos in the Biology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Leda Rammos, which is investigating the population of Lagogyros in Greece, the colony on the farm was quite dense and robust.
“The farm is 4 acres and in a record of 2021-22, about 20 animals were found, a number that is fluctuating according to births. However, in 2023 a cat appeared and within two years, the colony turned off, “says Mrs Rammou.
The researcher clarifies that although other cats have other cats, this particular female specialized to hunt for lust and mostly young people he ate.
“He had giving birth and we were trying to understand that we could remove it because it was not simple and one -sided. Had babies, we couldn’t drive her out because she was wild and didn’t approach. This is a problem that is much bigger than it seems, because if we remove it, it would probably be another animal, “says Mrs Rammou.
She stresses that the animal is not condemned for its energy, but it is a problem that requires long -term management and the cooperation of all stakeholders.
The incident at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki highlights the dangers of wildlife from animals that do not belong to the wild, such as cats.
Scientists speak of an immediate need to manage on a multifactorial issue that requires the cooperation of bodies and animal welfare as human being is responsible for the problem and not animals.
Don’t “throw away” our pets
Elias Strachinis, a biologist, a PhD candidate of the Department of Biology, also took place on the issue, who stressed that stray animals suffer from illnesses, roads, malicious people and a bunch of other dangers, and with them.
“We must not throw our pets on their own at the mercy of the city and nature, creating problems,” he says.
As he says, stray and unproven dominant cats have contributed to the disappearance of at least 63 wildlife to date, and continue to put pressure on many thousands.
Proposing solutions, he points out the importance of information, adoption, sterilization, cats’ restriction, as well as all pets and, of course, the immediate conception and removal from sensitive points, as in the case of the hare.
“The cat is not to blame, we are to blame. By recognizing the problem, we achieve more responsible pet guardians, better legislative framework, more shelters, more sterilizations and adoptions, and more savage savings, ”he concludes.
Systematic sterilizations
For Evi Kalaitzidou, a volunteer of the Animal Organization “I Care”, there is an urgent need to systematically sterilize stray cues, with the coordination of bodies.
“Organized funds should be given to sterilizations because there are endless animals that grow and starve and fall under dehydration. This cat could be caught in a similar trap, there were ways, it needed it, “he says.
Lagogy today is in danger of extinction
The Spermophilus Citellus hare is a kind of small squirrel living on the ground. It resides in fields and open plains with low vegetation and good soil drainage. As its scientific name reveals (Spermophilus) it mainly feeds on fruits, but also shoots, leaves, flowers and small invertebrates.
According to Oipotia, Lagogyros lives in groups of many people and forms colonies in the plains of Macedonia and Thrace. He constructs his nest under the ground, digging deep arcades (burrows) with many entrances. Another feature is that it has the ability to run very quickly and stand upright on its two pool legs.
It is an anthrophilic animal that lives near the human activities of the countryside. Although it used to be abundant, today it is in danger of extinction. The factors exerting pressure on the populations of the hare are the expansion and intensification of crops – and therefore the shrinkage of its habitats -, the abandonment of pastures, which are converted into inappropriately for the species of high meadows, and poisoning.
In our country, its largest colonies are located in the protected area of Axios Delta, larger than the Kalochori lagoon.
Source: Skai
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