When feral cats are away, potoroos and bandicoots are more likely to play
Phys.org
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
When feral cats are absent, native Australian mammals like potoroos and bandicoots have a better chance to thrive and play their crucial role in the ecosystem. A recent study highlights how these small marsupials, often preyed upon by invasive predators such as feral cats and red foxes, exhibit more natural behaviors—such as foraging and reproducing—in areas where these predators are less common. This finding underscores the delicate balance of predator-prey dynamics and the impact of invasive species on native wildlife.
Native mammals like potoroos and bandicoots play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health by dispersing seeds and promoting plant growth through their feeding habits. However, the constant threat of predation forces them to alter their behavior, reducing their ability to fulfill these ecological functions effectively. In regions where feral cats are controlled or absent, researchers observed increased activity levels among these animals, suggesting that they can recover
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/25/2026