2018 SRE Project
Modeling the Management of Feral Cats with Economic Impacts
Participants:
Brielle Kwarta, Houghton College
Sarah Brock, Univ. of Tennessee
Yi Dai, The Ohio State Univ.
Mentors:
Dr. Charles Sims, Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy; Economics, Univ. of Tennessee
Dr. Suzanne Lenhart, NIMBioS Assoc. Director for Education & Outreach; Mathematics, Univ. of Tennessee
Dr. Teresa Fisher, College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Agriculture, Univ. of Tennessee
Project Description.
Feral cats are recognized as a problem globally due to their negative impact on wildlife and potential to spread infectious disease to people and other animals. Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs are employed in many areas to control feral cat populations, but the economic impact of such programs needs investigation. This project would build a feral cat population model based on some data from colonies in Knox County, TN. The economic costs associated with possible management strategies would be coupled with the model to give guidance about policy decisions. Marcy Souza and Teresa Fisher from the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, will assist with this project.
NIMBioS
1122 Volunteer Blvd., Suite 106
University of Tennessee
Knoxville,
TN 37996-3410
PH: (865) 974-9334
FAX: (865) 974-9461
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