World
Most likely' feral cat sighted near albatross nest'
- A cat has been captured on camera near nesting albatross on the Otago Peninsula.
- Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors principle ranger Jim Watts said it was most likely a feral cat.
- Rangers did not see it when they went out to check but Watts said seeing a cat in the reserve was not uncommon and Taiaroa Head was not predator free.
The cat appeared on the Department of Conservation's Northern Royal Albatross cam at Taiaroa Head on Wednesday. A cat has been captured on camera near nesting albatross on the Otago Peninsula. The cat appeared on the Department of Conservation's Northern Royal Albatross camera at Taiaroa Head on Wednesday.
Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors principle ranger Jim Watts said it was most likely a feral cat. Rangers did not see it when they went out to check but Watts said seeing a cat in the reserve was not uncommon and Taiaroa Head was not predator free. Thirteen cats have been trapped at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head since the start of the year.
"At this time of year, the toroa chicks are all above 6.5kg and the risk is low for these birds, he said. "However, there are many other native species, including tarāpunga/red billed gull, tītī, kororā/blue penguin, matapo/Otago Shag and native skinks, that call Pukekura home which are at a greater risk to cat predation. Cats, stoats, ferrets and rats were being targeted in an extensive predator trapping network on the nature reserve and neighbouring land. "It is possible this cat has recently moved into the area, or it is possible that it is trap shy and is not interacting with the traps in place, Watts said.
Source: RNZ