Outline for the Proposed Eradication of Feral Cats from Malden Islandin the Line Islands, Republic of Kiribati

Abstract

This plan covers the proposed operations to eradicate feral cats (Felis catus) from Malden Island, an uninhabited Wildlife Sanctuary within the southern Line Island group, part of the Republic of Kiribati. The removal of cats from this island should allow significant recovery of populations of many seabird species present on Malden including various noddy and tern species, whilst also potentially allowing the successful recolonistaion and/or reintroduction of cat-sensitive seabirds such as the IUCN 'Endangered' Phoenix petrel (Pterodroma alba) and the white-throated (Polynesian) storm petrel Nesofregatta albigularis, and various shearwaters and petrels. This work is urgent because of the perilous state of the Phoenix petrel and some other seabird populations.