Feral cats to go on French Island in order to protect native animals

Hundreds of feral cats have been removed from French Island, but there’s still about 100 left causing havoc for wildlife. Now, a last-ditch effort is being made to wipe them out once and for all.

Earlier this year, an eight-week trapping program caught 19 feral cats.

The last remaining feral cats on French Island will be wiped out in a new effort to turn it into a safe haven for native animals.

While more than 1100 feral cats have been removed from French Island, in Western Port Bay, about 100 cats still remain and are creating havoc for wildlife.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal the federal government is now spending another $335,000 to ensure species such as the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, the Long-nosed Potoroo, the King Quail and the Orange-bellied are protected.

“French Island is a wonderful, ecological diverse place that is home to over 580 Indigenous plant species and more than 230 bird species,” Environment Minister Sussan Ley said.

“Once fully predator-free, safe havens like French Island can prove vital in establishing insurance populations, maintaining habitat for migratory birds and repopulating areas after they have been impacted by bushfires and other emergencies.”

The government had also made a $160,000 investment in 2017, when Flinders MP Greg Hunt said the government was aiming to remove all feral cats by 2020.

The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority has since been working closely with Parks Victoria and French Island Landcare on a feral cat control program, having already managed to get rid of the European Red Fox.

Earlier this year, an eight-week trapping program caught 19 feral cats.

The last remaining feral cats on French Island will be wiped out in a new effort to turn it into a safe haven for native animals. Picture: AAP IMAGE and Troy Snook.

“Tens of thousands of waterbirds from around the world flock to French Island every year as part of their life cycle and recently, Zoos Victoria introduced the Eastern Barred Bandicoot,” Mr Hunt said.

“This program to eradicate feral cats completely will not only help local populations but help protect the future of mainland species and it builds on some outstanding work from the local community.”

Feral cats kill up to eight million animals every day across Australia.

Bruny Island, Kangaroo Island, Christmas Island and Dirk Hartog Island have also been identified as priority areas for feral cat eradication.