One Feral Cat Killed 1% of New Zealand's Rarest Mainland Duck

A feral cat nicknamed "Nine Lives" killed roughly 1% of New Zealand's pāteke — its rarest mainland duck — per conservation group Pest Free Purerua. The cat took 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.