Omaha dotterel team mourns cat attack

A domestic cat is believed to have killed one of Omaha’s prime breeding dotterels.

The male bird was found on the foreshore near the boat ramp and a Department of Conservation autopsy revealed that it died of puncture wounds to the back and crush injuries, which are consistent with a cat attack.

The other telltale sign was that the bird was not eaten.

Omaha Shorebird Protection Trust volunteer Denis O’Callahan says that feral cats hunt for food, whereas pet cats hunt for sport.

Denis says that while the cat remains at large, it will continue to predate on the dotterels.

Trust chair Dr Marie Ward adds that if the cat is not caught, it could decimate the entire population of breeding dotterels in the sanctuary.

She says dotterel males sit on the nest at night, which makes them particularly vulnerable to predation by cats.

“Not only have we lost this dotterel, but the female would have abandoned the nest when the male did not return so the eggs have been lost, too.”

The trust has set traps in the hope of catching the cat. Since the attack, they have seen feline footprints and caught an image on camera.

“Any public assistance in identifying this cat would be appreciated,” Denis says.

The trust members believe the cat probably accessed the sanctuary, behind the predator-proof fence, at low tide.

Currently, the fence finishes at the high tide mark.

They have asked Council on numerous occasions to extend the fence, but have had no response.

Denis says the dotterel was banded as a chick in Mangawhai in 1997.

“It was well-known to the volunteers and was a successful breeder over many years. Its loss is very sad.”

The Shorebird Trust recommends that cat owners feed their cats inside, keep their animals in at night and fit them with an identity collar and bell.

“We take every opportunity to lecture locals and we know there are a lot of responsible cat owners, but a lot of properties are used for short-term rentals and these are the people who may not be aware of the damage one cat can do.”

Info: Chris Martin on 027 434 9303 or 425 7113.