What is New Zealand's goal regarding feral cats?

New Zealand aims to eliminate all feral cats in the country by 2050.

Why is New Zealand targeting feral cats?

Feral cats are a significant threat to native wildlife, killing vulnerable species and impacting the country's biodiversity.

Are domestic pet cats included in New Zealand's eradication plan?

No, domestic pet cats are not targeted; the government promotes responsible ownership, desexing, and keeping pets away from wildlife.

Home / Environment / New Zealand: Eradicating Feral Cats for Biodiversity

New Zealand: Eradicating Feral Cats for Biodiversity

8 Feb

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Summary

New Zealand aims to eliminate all feral cats by 2050.
Feral cats are responsible for killing native wildlife.
Domestic cats are not targeted; responsible ownership is stressed.

New Zealand: Eradicating Feral Cats for Biodiversity

New Zealand has officially added feral cats to its Predator Free 2050 list, marking the first new addition since 2016. The government's objective is to eradicate all feral cats nationwide by 2050. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka highlighted that these predators are a significant threat to native wildlife and heritage landscapes.

Over 2.5 million feral cats currently inhabit New Zealand, posing a severe risk to vulnerable and endangered species, such as the southern dotterel. This predator control initiative is deemed essential for addressing the country's biodiversity crisis and ecological imbalances.

While feral cats are targeted for eradication, the government stresses that domestic cats owned by New Zealanders are not included in this program. Minister Potaka underscored the importance of responsible pet ownership, including desexing and keeping pets away from wildlife, as part of the broader conservation strategy. Public opinion polls indicate strong support for these measures among New Zealanders.