DOI: 10.5061/dryad.j9kd51cq8
title: Planning and optimizing neutering programs for free-roaming cat populations: An interactive tool for cost-effective management in closed systems

description: The management of free-roaming cat (Felis catus) populations is a complex
 eco-sociological dilemma. Cats with outdoor access pose significant
 threats to wildlife through direct predation and indirect effects, leading
 some conservationists to advocate for stringent control measures,
 including lethal methods for managing unowned cat populations. However,
 public sentiment, alongside evidence that lethal methods often lack
 long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness, often supports the adoption of
 non-lethal methods, such as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). In certain European
 countries, TNR is the only legally permissible method. Despite its
 widespread adoption, a limited understanding of cat population dynamics,
 combined with inadequate planning and resource allocation, can lead to
 ineffective outcomes, potentially exacerbating the growth of cat
 populations. We used the free-roaming cat population (both unowned and
 owned cats) on Linosa —a small Mediterranean island of high biodiversity
 importance —as a case study. Census data were collected over three
 consecutive years, and a Bayesian statistical model was developed to
 estimate population dynamics and assess the varying impacts of neutering
 efforts over time, extending the analysis to 60 months beyond the latest
 census. The model also evaluated different budget scenarios based on the
 intensity of neutering efforts applied. The model highlighted the
 importance of high-frequency, female-focused neutering efforts to achieve
 long-term population control and cost efficiency. Additionally, it
 demonstrated that in our study population, such intensive efforts improved
 the precision of population estimates, thereby reducing uncertainty in
 management outcomes. To translate the model to an accessible tool to
 conservation planners, animal welfare organizations, and policymakers, we
 developed an interactive and user-friendly dashboard, available at
 https://bgtemp.wixsite.com/catspva. This tool allows users to customize
 scenarios by inputting initial estimates of the free-roaming cat
 population and its characteristics. We believe this interactive and
 practical approach provides an essential framework for planning and
 implementing neutering campaigns of free-roaming cats, helping
 decision-makers to address this urgent issue in a timely and
 cost-effective manner.
description: # Planning and optimizing neutering programs for free-roaming cat
 populations: An interactive tool for cost-effective management in closed
 systems Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.j9kd51cq8](10.5061/dryad.j9kd51cq8) ##
 Description of the data and file structure The dataset was collected as
 part of a study on managing free-roaming cat populations. The research
 focused on the cat population of Linosa, a small Mediterranean island, to
 evaluate the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of different neutering
 efforts. Annual population censuses (2021–2023) were conducted through
 door-to-door surveys, recording the number, sex, and reproductive status
 of cats. Six neutering sessions were carried out during this period,
 targeting both unowned and owned outdoor-access cats. A Bayesian
 statistical model was developed to analyse population dynamics, estimate
 birth and mortality rates, and predict the long-term impact of neutering
 interventions. ### Files and variables #### File**File:
 cats\_pop\_data.csv** **Description:**  **Variables:** * **ID**: Unique
 identifier for each data entry. * **month**: Numeric month of data
 collection (1 = January, 12 = December). - **year**: Year of data
 collection. - **month_year**: Combination of month and year (e.g.,
 "1_2021" for January 2021). - **F_a_fert**: Number of adult
 fertile females. - **F_a_sterl**: Number of adult sterilized females. -
 **M_a_fert**: Number of adult fertile males. - **M_a_sterl**: Number of
 adult sterilized males. - **F_j.new**: Number of newly matured juvenile
 females. - **M_j.new**: Number of newly matured juvenile males. -
 **new_births**: Total number of new births recorded. - **F_a_fert.death**:
 Number of deaths among fertile adult females. - **F_a_sterl.death**:
 Number of deaths among sterilized adult females. - **M_a_fert.death**:
 Number of deaths among fertile adult males. - **M_a_sterl.death**: Number
 of deaths among sterilized adult males. - **total_pop**: Estimated total
 cat population at the given time point. - **S_F**: Number of newly
 sterilized females (Sₜ,F). - **S_M**: Number of newly sterilized males
 (Sₜ,M). **Missing Values:** Missing values are indicated as blank cells or
 "NA" where applicable. ## Code/software The dataset can be
 viewed and analysed using **R (version 4.0 or later)**, **Python (version
 3.7 or later)**, and standard spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft
 Excel or Google Sheets. No specialized software is required to access the
 raw data. ## Access information N/A