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case_images: The distribution of neutered and unneutered cats across different categories in Caleta de Sebo (CS) and Pedro Barba (PB) on La Graciosa. The bar chart represents the number of neutered (green) and unneutered (red) cats within community-tended (CT), non-community-tended (NCT), and owned (O) groups in both settlements. The pie chart shows the overall sterilization status of the community cat population, with 20.1% neutered and 79.9% unneutered. The maps of Caleta de Sebo and Pedro Barba indicate the feeding points (red stars) and the spatial distribution of community cats in urban areas, where the intervention was focused.
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case_images: In Caleta de Sebo, the proportion of unneutered cats was notably higher than that of neutered ones, as depicted in Figure 3. The overall data depicted in Figure 3 clearly demonstrate that unneutered cats represented the majority across both urban areas, highlighting the need for targeted management strategies.
case_images: Projected population dynamics for community cats in Caleta de Sebo (A) and Pedro Barba (B) on La Graciosa based on Population Viability Analysis (PVA) simulations over 10-year period.
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case_images: Extinction = 0.00) over the 10-year period, with the mean population size projected to reach 284 individuals, emphasizing substantial growth from the initial figures (Figure 4A). The projected mean population size (N = 21) reflected a steady increase from the initial eight individuals, showing growth, albeit with more caution compared to Caleta de Sebo (Figure 4B).
case_images: The effectiveness of the July 2024 sterilization campaign in La Graciosa, Canary Islands. The bar chart shows the number of neutered (green) versus unneutered (red) cats recorded across different feeding points in Caleta de Sebo and Pedro Barba immediately following the campaign. The pie chart inset illustrates the overall sterilization rate achieved, with 81.4% of the community cat population sterilized and 18.6% remaining unsterilized post-intervention.
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case_images: As illustrated in the inset of Figure 5, 81.4% of the cat population was sterilized following the campaign, with only 18.6% remaining unsterilized. Figure 5. Feeding points
case_images: Population Viability Analysis (PVA) projections over 10-year period for community cats' populations in Caleta de Sebo (A) and Pedro Barba (B) after sterilization campaign as single action (without further management).
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case_images: However, as depicted in Figure 6A, the remaining pool of reproductive individuals was sufficient to sustain population growth. The mean population size after ten years (N = 10) reflected a pattern of stabilization followed by a gradual decline, as is consistent with the smaller and more isolated nature of this settlement, probably through immigration of cats or the reproduction of the only unneutered female remaining (Figure 6B).
case_images: Comparison between observed and projected population growth in La Graciosa during first three months post-intervention based on Population Viability Analysis (PVA) model.
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case_images: Figure 7 illustrates how the actual population increase aligns with modeled expectations over the same period, providing a direct comparison of real and predicted population trends.
case_images: Real proportion of sterilized and unsterilized cats in different categories of Island of La Graciosa following intervention.
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case_images: Consequently, the overall sterilization rate decreased to 69.3% (Figure 8).
case_images: Hypothetical Population Viability Analysis (PVA) for La Graciosa's community cats under sustained management with 93% sterilization rate and theoretical annual maintenance.
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