Today we're discussing the impact of urbanization on local wildlife. A recent study in Melbourne found that while some species, like possums and bats, adapt well to city life, others, such as ground-nesting birds, decline sharply. The key factor, surprisingly, wasn't noise or pollution, but the presence of domestic cats. Researchers tracked 50 cat owners over six months and discovered that cats allowed outdoors at night were responsible for a 30% reduction in bird sightings. Interestingly, cats kept indoors didn't affect wildlife at all. The study suggests that simple measures, like keeping cats inside after dusk, could significantly help preserve urban biodiversity.
❓ According to the lecture, what was the main cause of the decline in ground-nesting birds in Melbourne?