Nine Lives, the feral cat that terrorised New Zealand’s rare ducks, is caught after three years
A notorious feral cat nicknamed 'Nine Lives' has been captured and killed in New Zealand after three years of preying on rare native wildlife. The cat was responsible for the deaths of dozens of endangered brown teal ducks and other native species.
Why it matters
Feral cats pose a significant threat to biodiversity in island nations, and this case underscores the difficulty of invasive species management in conservation efforts.
Nine Lives, the feral cat that devastated a rare duck population in New Zealand for years, pictured in February 2024. Photograph: Pest Free Purerua Nine Lives, the feral cat that devastated a rare duck population in New Zealand for years, pictured in February 2024. Photograph: Pest Free Purerua New Zealand Nine Lives, the feral cat that terrorised New Zealand’s rare ducks, is caught after three years Large tabby cat that wiped out dozens of rare pāteke, or brown teal, has been killed after eluding trappers with its ‘very erratic’ behaviour
Prefer the Guardian on Google A notorious feral cat given the name “Nine Lives” because it eluded trappers for three years has been caught and killed in New Zealand , ending its devastating rampage against one of the country’s rare duck populations.
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