NEW ZEALAND SAYS IT’S GOING TO ERADICATE FERAL CATS
Source: CNN Science (Extract)
Posted: November 24, 2025
New Zealand has announced plans to eradicate feral cats by 2050 as part of its efforts to protect native biodiversity.
Speaking to Radio New Zealand, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka described feral cats as “stone cold killers” and confirmed they would now be included in the country’s Predator Free 2050 program, which targets species that threaten native birds, bats, lizards, and insects.
Previously excluded from the list—which already includes stoats, ferrets, weasels, rats, and possums—feral cats are defined by Potaka as wild animals living independently of humans. “They kill to survive,” he said.
Potential eradication methods include poisoned sausage bait and a device that sprays a toxin when cats pass by trees, Potaka explained. “To boost biodiversity and protect our heritage landscapes, we need to remove some of these predators,” he added.
In a statement released Friday, Potaka said feral cats are now widespread across New Zealand, from farms to forests, putting enormous pressure on native species. Recent incidents include over 100 short-tailed bats killed in a single week near Ohakune on the North Island and feral cats contributing to the near-extinction of the southern dotterel on Stewart Island.
Feral cats also spread toxoplasmosis, which can harm dolphins, affect humans, and cause losses for farmers.
The statement noted that over 90% of the nearly 3,400 submissions received during public consultation supported stronger feral cat management. Jessi Morgan, CEO of the Predator Free New Zealand Trust, welcomed the announcement, saying the public’s response during the consultation was “loud and clear: feral cats belong on the target list.”
Officials will release more details in an updated version of the Predator Free 2050 Strategy scheduled for March.
Potaka also reassured the public that domestic cats are not part of the Predator Free target. “Responsible ownership—desexing, microchipping, and keeping cats away from wildlife—remains a key part of the solution,” he said.
