New Zealand Journal of Ecology (2010) 34(2): 259- 261

©New Zealand Ecological Society

Diet of feral cats on subantarctic Auckland Island

Short Communication
Grant A. Harper  
  1. Department of Conservation, PO Box 743, Invercargill 9840, New Zealand
  2. Present address: Department of Conservation, Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project, PO Box 55, St Arnaud 7053, New Zealand
Abstract: 

Feral cats were trapped and cat scats collected at Port Ross, Auckland Island, during two weeks in winter 2007. Eleven cats were caught and 40 scats collected, including from upland tussock areas. Cats’ diet predominantly consisted of birds (77.5% occurrence in scats) and mice (52.5% occurrence). The cats were relatively heavy and in good condition compared with other feral cats in New Zealand populations.

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