New Zealand has announced plans to eradicate feral cats by 2050, as part of efforts to protect the country’s biodiversity.

Speaking to Radio New Zealand on Thursday, conservation minister Tama Potaka said that feral cats are “stone cold killers” and would be added to the country’s Predator Free 2050 list, which aims to eradicate those animals that have a negative impact on species such as birds, bats, lizards and insects.

Cats had previously been excluded from the list, which includes species such as stoats, ferrets, weasels, rats and possums, but Potaka used the interview to announce a U-turn.

  • Formfiller@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    Remember when Europe burned all the cats and that caused the plague to get a lot more out of control? I’m sure it will work out this time though

    • ameancow@lemmy.world
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      11 months ago

      Very, very different situation, I wouldn’t make the comparison unless:

      1. You’re ready to get fucking educated on ecology and biology.

      2. You’re a troll trying to make people react.

    • Auli@lemmy.ca
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      11 months ago

      Cats are causing lots of harm to the native wildlife there. You know since they didn’t evolve with things similar to cats.

    • oatscoop@midwest.social
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      11 months ago

      Has sanitation, pest control, and medicine have advanced since the 13th century?

      No … we still need cats to do all the heavy lifting.