Feral and domestic cats are estimated to kill as many as 100 million birds every year in New Zealand.

But that’s not all they prey on.

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council said it was important to remember that cats don’t just threaten bird life.

“They kill indiscriminately. The Global Invasive Species Database (2014) nominated cats among the 100 worst invaders.

“Our non-avian wildlife, such as bats, lizards and invertebrates, was also particularly vulnerable to cats.”

While the council doesn’t monitor feral cat numbers, it said Hawke’s Bay has a large amount of suitable habitat for them.

The council said an estimate of how many birds cats killed in the region would be speculation and that only New Zealand-wide estimates were available.

“But generally, they are widespread throughout much of the region. If you see a cat on your rural property, set up a cat trap. There are several options and we are happy to provide advice.”

Of the future, the council said it was likely that, although unpredictable at a species level, pest species would become a bigger problem with the changing climate.

“Climate change affects everything from habitat availability, invasive species and food abundance, and land and water use.

“Unfortunately, invasive species are usually better able to take advantage of disturbed environments, as their adaptability is what leads to their establishment and spread within New Zealand.”

In 2024-2025, the council spent $3,749,190 on pest control, including overheads and salaries.

Certain pests are funded entirely via general rate funding, and others by a targeted rate.

Like all regional and unitary authorities, the Regional Council has a statutory responsibility under the Biosecurity Act 1993, which it fulfils through the implementation of the Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP).

Activities carried out under the RPMP include surveillance, control, compliance and inspection functions, as well as contractor-led programmes targeting gazetted pests.

“We have a Regional Pest Management Plan which sets our focus as to what pests council and the community consider to be most impactful to those values and all the pests contained within it affect biodiversity and/or primary production,” the council said.

They said the public could help by taking responsibility for all the invasive plants and animals on their properties.

“Also, help your neighbours with pest control, and make maximum use of community/catchment groups. Dispose of green waste responsibly and advocate for pest control.

“If multiple people or groups made efforts to control pests, it could have an enormous impact on our region.”

The biggest threat to Hawke’s Bay’s native bird?

Cats, rats, possums and mustelids (stoats, ferrets and weasels) all pose a significant threat to our native birds as they either prey on them directly or eat their eggs. Possums and rats also compete with native birds for food. Territorial invasive birds like rooks may reduce habitat availability. Numerous pest plants further reduce and degrade what habitat remains for many native bird species.

Waterways

Aquatic weeds like Alligator Weed and Senegal Tea reduce water quality and pose flooding risks. Many invasive species of plants and animals thrive in poor quality waterways where they can out-compete natives for resources.

Horticulture and agriculture

Possums, rats, deer, pigs, rooks and rabbits all threaten the region’s economic values. Pest plants (such as Chilean needle grass and velvetleaf) and animals impose a combination of pressures on horticulture and agriculture by spreading disease, eating crops, or degrading the land. The biggest threats depend on the time of year and a host of other factors.

In all cases, many threatening species may not yet be present in Hawke’s Bay and resources are needed to prevent these species from establishing in our region.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.