13 CATS DESTROYED

Southland Times, Issue 24837, 1 September 1942, Page 4

13 CATS DESTROYED

About 120 Still On Herekopare Tangible evidence of the destruction being wrought by wild cats on native bird life on Herekopare Island was brought to Invercargill yesterday by Mr L. E. Richdale, of Dunedin, who visited the island last week. His “bag” consisted of the tails of 13 wild cats, which he had destroyed, and the remains of many birds—parara, titi wainui and the kuaka—which had been destroyed by the cats. Mr Richdale, who is a well-known ornithologist and a member o£ the Otago branch of the Royal Society, was accompanied on his visit to the island by Mr R. H. Traill, of Stewart Island. The visit Was mbre in the nature of a reconnaissance tour and as a result of their observations he could say there were about 120 cats still on the island. They were strong, healthy animals which apparently were thriving on their fare of sea birds. “It will be a difficult job cleaning up the island, but it can be done if the task is undertaken systematically,” he said. “The bush is dense and there are few tracks and clearings.” The 13 cats destroyed on this latest visit brought the total to 20 destroyed since May, a so far, he added. The tails of the cats and the feathers of the birds will be exhibited in A. and W. Hamilton’s shop window this week.