Feral cats have been added to the Predator Free 2050 list, prompting new technology developments such as AI-powered cameras to help tackle the estimated millions roaming New Zealand’s wild areas.
Southern Lakes Sanctuary is trialling live AI cameras mounted on box traps that primarily target rats and stoats.
Their carcasses attract feral cats, which were then captured. Under current rules, any cats caught were released within 24 hours.
Until now, most trapping technology had been focused on species already on the Predator Free 2050 List.
Asked about the difference between a feral cat and a pet cat, Southern Lakes Sanctuary chief executive Paul Kavanagh told 1News the former were found in "really remote areas" of national parks.
"They've never seen a human in their life."
It was hoped the addition of feral cats to the list would incentivise other high-tech developments in the vein of the AI camera, he added.
"We've had new amazing technology with possums, for example, not as many with feral cats. So hopefully this announcement will encourage the acceleration of new tech with cats as the target species," Kavanagh said.
The camera could also assist in tracking the population of feral cats.
Forest and Bird believed there were nearly 2.5 million feral cats across the country, with some estimates much higher, at up to 20 million.
Lincoln University masters' student Natalie Blackstock estimated there were around 200,000 stray cats – compared with 1.2 million pet cats.
Bioeconomy Scientist Institute wildlife ecologist Sze-Wing Yu was working to eliminate the guesswork with a map of feral cat population densities across the country.
"My project is trying to predict cat densities across the whole country, creating a map so that we understand where cats are, what are their numbers in different environments.
She said it was important because it could help to target areas with high populations.
"Resources are always limited so we can prioritise certain areas with the greatest impact."
Kavanagh said those with a pet cat at home could also help to reduce their pet's impact on birds and other wildlife by getting them microchipped, wearing a collar with a bell, and being kept indoors at night.
"If the cat is collared, we know. We're not in this industry to put anyone's pets at risk."
SHARE ME