Monitoring and detection of feral cats on Auckland Island

Feral cats on Auckland Island, part of the UNESCO-listed New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands, pose a significant threat to local biodiversity. A recent study found that live trapping, camera trapping, and scat searches—particularly with detection dogs—are effective methods for monitoring cat abundance, distribution, and movement behavior. These findings are critical for the planned eradication effort, as they provide essential data on detection probabilities and spatial patterns of feral cats. The research highlights the importance of combining multiple techniques to accurately assess cat populations in remote, pristine environments like Auckland Island.

Glen, A., Sagar, R., Brav-Cubitt, T., & Jacques, P. (2022). Monitoring and detection of feral cats on Auckland Island. New Zealand Journal of Ecology. https://doi.org/10.20417/nzjecol.46.3494