I took a slight detour on the Eyre Peninsula this week down 120km of corrugated roads to Secret Rocks Nature Reserve to reconnect with my friend, Dr. John Read, an innovative ecologist whose work is making a significant impact on conservation in Australia. I first met John when I was the Threatened Species Commissioner, and he introduced me to the then idea of the Felixer grooming trap - a prototype device that he invented and which has since revolutionised feral cat control across the country. When John shared the Felxier concept with me, I thought it was a good idea and helped him find seed funding from the Government to make it happen.
The Felixer trap is a remarkable piece of technology designed specifically to tackle the problem of feral cats, which are one of the greatest threats to Australia's mammals. Feral cats are responsible for dozens of extinctions and continue to endanger many of our amazing animals. Traditional methods of control, such as baiting, trapping and shooting, have their place. But we can’t be focused on “our precious” like Gollum was in Lord of the Rings. All options need to be on the table. The Felixer exploits cats' natural grooming behaviors and instincts. When a cat walks past the trap, it triggers a laser sensor that that uses Artificial Intelligence to identify it based on its gait and shape. The trap then squirts a measured dose of biodegradable 1080 poison gel onto the cat's fur, which the cat later ingests while grooming, leading to its swift demise.
At Secret Rocks, John demonstrated how the traps were working and showed me some of the incredible conservation successes the reserve has achieved. The area is now home to Malleefowl nests and thriving populations of numbats and the western barred bandicoot - a species that had previously been extinct in South Australia. This success is partly due to the 300-square-kilometre feral-proof fence that protects the reserve from cats and foxes, as well as ongoing use of Felixer traps to keep them out and eradicate them if they do get in.
John and his wife, Dr. Katherine Moseby, who is also a leading conservation scientist and plays a crucial role in these conservation efforts, have dedicated their lives to restoring and protecting Australia's unique ecosystems. In addition to their work with the Felixer traps, they manage the Secret Rocks Nature Reserve, where they study and address issues like overabundant kangaroos. We all love these iconic Australian species. But in many parts of Australia, including much of the Outback and Canberra where I live, roos are overabundant. It’s not their fault. It’s ours because we’ve altered the ecology. If they are not managed, overabundant roos can destroy native plant growth and habitat for other native animals. So we have to take responsibility. By excluding kangaroos from certain areas at Secret Rocks, John has shown how endangered plant species like sandalwood and chalky wattles can make a comeback.
The work at Secret Rocks is testament to the effectiveness of combining cutting-edge technology with traditional conservation practices. With over 200 Felixer traps already deployed across Australia and plans to produce another 100, the future looks brighter for our endangered species. This innovative approach is not just about killing cats; it’s about saving Australia’s unique fauna from extinction. And it’s about ensuring that our kids and future generations can enjoy Australia’s rich biodiversity.
Check out some photos of my visit, including images of Felixer traps in action, a Malleefowl nest, fresh bandicoot tracks we spotted and some stunning Sturts desert peas.
And stay tuned for my next #eBike4Australia update. Subscribe to my blog here so you don’t miss out.
John and the Felxier Feral Cat Trap
Malleefowl nest.
Endangered bandicoot tracks.
Sturt’s stunning desert pea.
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