We analysed data presented by Pearre & Maass

(1998) and found that cats sampled from sites close to human habitation (farms, suburban and urban studies) take significantly smaller prey (23.2 ± 8.3 g; n = 16 studies) than cats in rural areas (72.6 ± 92.1 g, n = 28 studies). These data suggest that cats living close to human Selleck Antiinfection Compound Library habitation modify their diet, which may explain how these hypercarnivores deal so well in anthropogenic environments. The ‘ideal’ urban carnivore should be highly adaptable in terms of diet, movement patterns and social behaviour (in the section: ‘How is the ecology of mammal carnivores influenced by urban living?’). However, there are some exceptions to this premise. For example, Herr et al. (2009a) found that stone martens in Luxembourg were almost entirely urban (their territories falling within the extent of the study towns), and their presence suggests that they successfully deal with the challenges of this environment. Their socio-spatial distribution, however, is almost exactly the same as recorded in non-urban habitats, and stone martens do not make much use of anthropogenic food sources (implying both social and dietary inflexibility). While stone martens are

well-established urban carnivores, the congeneric pine marten Martes martes avoids human habitation (Baghli et al., 2002; Herr, 2008). This difference selleck compound appears to be due to pine martens being less omnivorous than stone martens, and while pine martens are diurnal, the crepuscular stone marten is less susceptible to clashes with humans (Herr, 2008; Herr, Schley & Roper, 2009b). Cardillo et al. (2004) demonstrated how

biological features (e.g. geographic range, population density, reproductive rates and dietary requirements) explain 45% of variation in risk of extinction for carnivore species, or 80% when combined with high levels of exposure to human populations. Biological ‘inflexibility’ (small geographic ranges, low population density, low reproductive rates, need for 上海皓元 large hunting areas or specific prey) in the face of increasing human populations and urbanization means potential extinction, while ‘flexible’ species (wide geographic range, potential high population density, high reproduction and generalist trophic niche) are more likely to adapt to increasing urbanization. Although urban carnivores may be valued by large sectors of society (Baker & Harris, 2007) and even encouraged (e.g. through deliberate feeding section: ‘What do they eat?’), these animals can also clash with their human neighbours to a greater or lesser degree through disease transmission to humans and pets, damage to houses and gardens, general nuisance value (e.g. bin-raiding) or direct attack of humans or pets (Baker & Harris, 2007). The risk of zoonoses is a significant cause for concern. The public health issues of carnivore presence in cities have therefore been the focus of much research as well as the drive for extensive control measures.