The New Zealand government is working to eliminate all feral cats in the country by 2050.
After years of campaigning, feral cats have been added to New Zealand’s 2050 predator-free list, The Guardian reports. This is the first addition to the list since its creation in 2016.
Despite calls from animal rights activists, feral cats can be legally captured and killed across the country. In the coming months, the government is likely to explore coordinated targeting of feral cats and widespread eradication research.
“To promote biodiversity, enhance heritage landscapes and improve the types of places we want to visit, we have to eliminate some of these killers,” New Zealand Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said.
Today, there are more than 2.5 million feral cats roaming New Zealand. They are notorious for preying on vulnerable or endangered native animals, including birds such as the southern spotted thrush.
Other predators on New Zealand’s list include rats, stoats, ferrets, weasels and possums.
In a place like New Zealand, which is experiencing a biodiversity crisis, controlling predators is vital. High rates of native species being threatened are altering local landscapes and food webs, leading to abnormal changes in ecosystems.
Elsewhere, lawmakers have explored predator control measures to help native species thrive where they have always existed.
If you’re interested in supporting biodiversity where you live, consider taking local action, volunteering with a conservation group or donating to local wildlife work.
The Predator program is often controversial but is vital to restoring ecological balance and supporting a sustainable planet.
Social media users highlighted polls showing around 75 per cent of New Zealanders believe feral cats are a legitimate threat.
However, the New Zealand government does not target domestic cats kept as pets.
“New Zealand is full of proud cat owners and domestic pets are not part of the predator-free target,” Potaka said. “Responsible breeding, neutering, microchipping and keeping cats away from wildlife remain important parts of the solution.”
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