Dudley cat detections reach record low as eradication team recruits
The Kangaroo Island Landscape Board sincerely thanks the Dudley Peninsula and wider Kangaroo Island communities for their support during the 2026 winter cat knockdown. Monitoring cameras are now recording the lowest feral cat detection rate since the eradication program began in 2020.
“Landholders welcomed our team onto their properties during the busy winter lambing season. We never take that trust for granted, and our staff follow strict biosecurity protocols when moving between properties,” Kangaroo Island Feral Cat Program Leader Paul Jennings said.
The Board also thanked community members for their advocacy with funding from the Australian Government, South Australian Government and philanthropic investments supporting the program until December 2028.
“Following this year’s knockdown, we plan to carry out targeted mop-up and begin proof-of-freedom monitoring in 2027. Monitoring will continue through 2028 to build confidence that no feral cats remain,” Mr Jennings said.
“Finding the remaining cats takes an understanding of animal behaviour and the country, backed by reliable information and the right equipment.”
The team has also trialled a floating extension to the three-kilometre feral cat exclusion fence at Pelican Lagoon. Supported by pontoons, the extension rises and falls with the tide.
“At Hog Bay Road, we have built fenced corridors that guide approaching cats into areas monitored by thermal cameras. The cameras can detect cats and activate sound deterrents to help prevent them crossing onto Dudley Peninsula,” Mr Jennings said.
Automated cage prototypes developed with Encounter Solutions Ltd are due for field testing in the coming weeks.
As summer approaches, most conventional food-baited cage traps are now closed. Effort is shifting to Double Lure cages and soft-jaw leg-hold traps, which use scent lures to reduce accidental captures of goannas and brushtail possums.
Celium alerts notify staff in near real time when traps are triggered, allowing the team to prioritise checks.
“Our staff refresh scent lures on Mondays and Tuesdays, which is why you may see them servicing traps and cages that appear empty,” Mr Jennings said.
As the knockdown continues, the Board kindly asks all domestic cat owners on Dudley Peninsula to continue to follow KI Council by-laws and keep their cats contained on their properties.
Roaming pet cats may be accidentally caught during control operations. Keeping your cat safely contained helps protect your pet and native wildlife, while supporting the eradication effort.
Please call or text the Feline Hotline on 0459 952 830 to report feral cats, cat tracks or scat.
The Board also thanked trapper Murray Schofield for his contribution over the past two and a half years. Murray is returning to his hometown of Cooma, NSW, to pursue another passion: regenerative farming.
“Murray’s practical trapping expertise and development of the Double Lure trap have helped the team target feral cats while reducing accidental captures of native wildlife,” Mr Jennings said.
“His ingenuity and willingness to find new solutions have strengthened the program.
“We thank Murray for his dedication and wish him all the best for the future.”
The Board is now recruiting Field Officers (OPS3) and Senior Field Officers (TGO2) as the team targets individual cats and prepares for the next phase of eradication.
Mr Jennings encouraged people with field skills to consider joining the team.
“Our staff bring practical knowledge and ideas that improve the way we work. These roles offer the chance to learn from experienced colleagues and contribute to lasting protection for the island’s wildlife and primary production,” he said.
Both roles offer a roster of 10 days on and four days off, with penalty rates paid in addition to the base salary.
Applications close on 15 November 2026.
Recruitment enquiries
Paul Jennings, Program Leader – Kangaroo Island Feral Cat Eradication
0407 555 606 paul.jennings@sa.gov.au
