One feral cat killed 1% of New Zealand's rarest mainland duck before capture after three years

A feral cat nicknamed "Nine Lives" killed roughly 1% of New Zealand's pāteke, the country's rarest mainland duck, according to conservation group Pest Free Purerua. The cat slaughtered 15 of 20 reintroduced birds in one week, then 15 of 20 released in 2024. It also preyed on kiwi chicks and geckos. Caught on 30 July after three years, its body will be taxidermied for public education.