Calls for greater control of feral cat colonies on La Graciosa

The Cabildo’s Environment Department has released a photo of a cat threatening a stone curlew to highlight the problem of uncontrolled cat colonies on La Graciosa.

The Stone Curlew is a protected bird that lives in rocky areas of the Canary Islands and is easily identified by its large yellow eyes. In the photo the bird is spreading its wings in an attempt to frighten off a cat.

The problem of feral cats on La Graciosa has been highlighted by ecological groups such as the SEO/Birdlife organisation, which called for authorities to exercise greater control over cat colonies on the eighth island earlier this summer.

Last week, the cat welfare association Maulli2 also protested on the island, calling for more resources to help with TNR (trap, neuter and return) programmes.