Data from: Estimating feral cat densities using distance sampling in an urban environment

1. Estimating feral cat population densities in urban environments can be
difficult due to lack of public space and human interference. The purpose
of this study was to use distance sampling in a citywide landscape to
determine population size and areas of high abundance to inform
trap-neuter-release management programs. 2. Line transect distance
sampling was used to estimate density of the feral cat population in
Windsor, Ontario from June to July 2014. Windsor has a human population of
217,188 and is about 146 km2 in size. Most transects were placed along
local roads. 3. Density was estimated at about 13.3 (95% CI 9.7 – 18.1)
cats per km2, and an estimated population size of 1858 cats (95% CI 1361 –
2537) with the highest relative density occurring in West and Central
Windsor. 4. Urban wildlife managers could utilize these methods to monitor
feral cat populations and evaluate the effectiveness of
trap-neuter-release programs.