Campaign to save native wildlife and plants

Posted on 1 October 2006

Domestic cat

Stopping cats and rats from eating native birds, skinks and weta is part of a campaign launched this week by Greater Wellington Regional Council to protect the region’s native wildlife and plants.

“Cats are eating our native wildlife.” That’s the message on eye-catching catfood tins labelled “Fantail”, “Tui “and “Skink” and featured on supermarket display stands. Billboards declare that cats “purr-furr” this “Native” brand while brochures promoting the importance of biodiversity (the combination of all living things in one place) are also being distributed throughout the region.
 
Greater Wellington Chairman Ian Buchanan said the campaign was launched through Greater Wellington’s Be the Difference programme, which encourages individuals and communities to take responsibility and care for the environment.

“Small actions by individuals can result in big changes to our environment,” Mr Buchanan said. “We are still losing native wildlife and plant species, and we urgently need to turn that around.

“Young birds making their first flight are particularly vulnerable at this time of the year. As
well as stalking and killing our birds, cats and other predators also eat bird food such as insects, berries and lizards.”

A 2000 Department of Conservation/Forest and Bird Society study of 130 cats showed that over a three-month period, these cats caught 267 birds, 183 skinks, eight geckos, 64 insects, 67 rats, 314 mice, one stoat and three rabbits.

“And who knows what else they ate but didn’t bring home?” Mr Buchanan said.

The Be the Difference campaign is not against people having cats for pets. It wants to encourage cat owners to be responsible and take simple actions to prevent the loss of wildlife. These include keeping your cat indoors at night; de-sexing your cat; and never abandoning a cat.

The campaign also promotes the importance of protecting native plants. Ways to do this include trapping pest animals; joining a local volunteer group involved in pest plant and animal eradication; fencing stock to keep them out of regenerating native bush, wetlands and streams; and planting native trees and plants in your garden or on your rural property.

“Wellington region’s climate, terrain and soil types all combine to make our forests, wetlands, dunes and streamside areas different from other parts of New Zealand,” Mr Buchanan said. “This means, for instance, that we have one of most diverse freshwater fisheries in the country. On the other hand, kereru remain on the threatened species list.

“Greater Wellington is committed to preserving and protecting the region’s biodiversity. Every action you take, no matter how small, can make a difference.”

Be the Difference has more than 12,300 household members. Visit the website  to become a member and find out what you can do to make a difference.