One of the trickiest but most significant predators that many conservation organisations deal with is cats.
They are in the top five most damaging introduced predators in Aotearoa, up there with possums and mustelids, the collective noun for stoats, ferrets and weasels.
Unlike many other predators however, there's an PR issue relating to the cull of cats and talk of restrictions on the domesticated felines always sparks fierce debate.
Predator Free NZ carried out an independent study public perceptions relating to cats and found there's a gradual shift in attitudes.
Feral cats occur in many parts of New Zealand, although they have been successfully eradicated from several islands, including Hauturu/Little Barrier. They are predators of many native birds and reptiles. Research by Patrick Garvey (PhD student supervised by Mick Clout) is revealing the nature of interactions between predators such as stoats and cats and is investigating the use of novel lures to attract these predators, to improve prospects for their control on the mainland. (Photo: Patrick Garvey, Lincoln 2013). Photo:
