New Zealand Wants to Take Out 2.5M Feral Cats

New Zealand has announced a bold goal: eliminating feral cats from the country by 2050. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka revealed the move on Friday, marking the first time a new species has been added to the Predator-Free 2050 initiative since its launch in 2016. The broader program seeks to protect native wildlife by removing invasive predators such as ferrets, stoats, rats, and possums, according to the Guardian.

Feral cats, estimated at 2.5 million across New Zealand, are blamed for devastating native species, including the Pukunui bird on Stewart Island. Potaka described the animals as “stone-cold killers” and said their removal is crucial for safeguarding biodiversity and preserving the country’s natural landscapes.

The decision comes after years of debate. A 2013 campaign to control cat populations sparked criticism from animal rights groups. Yet, the Department of Conservation reported that 90% of public feedback on its draft strategy supported either including feral cats in the program or strengthening cat management measures. Domestic cats are not part of the new strategy, though their impact on wildlife remains a point of contention in a nation with one of the world’s highest rates of cat ownership.

Animal welfare organizations, including the SPCA, acknowledge the threat feral cats pose to wildlife but are calling for more investment in humane control methods. “We’re talking about removing them from an environment, and this is currently done by lethal means, which we’re not happy with,” said Christine Sumner of the SPCA. Potaka has referenced the potential use of poison, according to CNN. Officials plan to release detailed eradication strategies in March.

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