Final eradication of feral cats from sub-Antarctic Marion Island, southern Indian Ocean

Abstract

The last stages of the eradication of feral domestic cats Felis catus from sub-Antarctic Marion Island are described. After four seasons of hunting, intensive gin-trapping from 1990 and poisoning with sodium monofluoroacetate from 1991 were incorporated into the eradication campaign. Hunting became totally ineffective at low densities, while trapping became more effective. Poisoning was added to rid the island of any remaining cats. The last live cat was sighted and shot in January 1991, while the last cat was trapped in July 1991. No sign of cats has been seen on the island in the subsequent eight years, and it is stated with complete confidence that feral house cats have finally been eradicated from Marion Island.