It’s been estimated that more than 2.5 million feral cats call Aotearoa NZ home.

2.5 million!

That's big numbers, making them a growing problem and an increasing threat…

These aren’t your typical domestic house cat. They are wild animals, and they’re having a devastating impact on our native wildlife.

"Comparing a feral cat to a domestic cat is like comparing a wolf to a Labrador"

Feral cats predate on all kinds of taonga species - from lizards to bats to kiwi - and their numbers are increasing every year. In one documented case, a single feral cat killed 107 endangered short-tailed bats in just two weeks.

And their impact extends far beyond predation events, affecting everyday lives through attacks on pet cats, toxoplasmosis in livestock, and even further endangering Māui dolphins through disease transmission.

So, what’s stopping us from solving this problem? There are many reasons, but our emotional connection to pet cats is a big one.

In this episode of the People Helping Nature Podcast, John Bissell, owner of Backblocks Environmental Management and National Predator Control Advisor for Save the Kiwi, shares a balanced perspective on the feral cat debate in Aotearoa New Zealand.

While John strongly supports people's right to own pet cats, he draws a clear distinction between domestic companions and their wild counterparts.

Here are some of the things we discussed in this illuminating chat:

• The definition of feral cats vs. domestic pet cats.
• How trail camera footage reveals that feral cats are everywhere in our landscape.
• How feral cats decimate endangered species populations.
• Feline toxoplasmosis impacts on farming and marine mammals.
• Respectful approaches to feral cat control in areas with pet cats present.
• How human emotion shapes our approach to different predator species.
• Tips for conservation groups navigating the feral cat topic with respect.
• And much more...

👩About John:

John Bissell is the owner of Backblocks Environmental Management, and he is also the National Predator Control Advisor for Save the Kiwi.

John’s main area of mahi is in predator control and threatened species protection. His speciality is in finding and removing the one hard-to-get predator in a large landscape. These lessons have also helped him shape new methods and tricks to help him catch more.

As well as boots-on-the-ground delivery, John’s role is increasingly centred around supporting and training people and projects in this line of work, and he is equally passionate about this side of his mahi. John refers to himself as a NZ predator hunter, and he will happily tell story after story of the many other good people out there doing the same.

🔗Learn more:

• John’s website: www.bbem.co.nz
• John’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/nzpredatorhunter
• Save the Kiwi’s website: www.savethekiwi.nz

🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

What happens when a whale or dolphin strands on a New Zealand beach? For over 50 years, Project Jonah has been the lifeline for these marine mammals in distress, pioneering rescue techniques that have contributed to global standards.

Daren Grover, Project Jonah’s General Manager, reveals how this organisation evolved from successfully campaigning against the whaling industry in the 1970s to becoming leaders in marine mammal rescue. Through their nationwide network of 1000s of trained volunteers, Project Jonah is able to mobilise rapid responses to approximately 300 strandings every year.

From the unique "whale trap" geography of Farewell Spit to the impacts of climate change on stranding patterns, Daren shares insights into why these events occur and how proper assessment and methodical response significantly improves welfare outcomes for stranded marine mammals.

Beyond rescue operations, Project Jonah's work addresses broader conservation challenges. Daren outlines how everyday decisions - from responsible boating to reducing plastic waste - directly affects marine mammal welfare. He emphasises that conservation means "understanding our impacts and choosing to respond positively."

Here are some of the key topics we discussed:

- Project Jonah's remarkable 50-year evolution from campaigning against commercial whaling to pioneering marine mammal rescue approaches.

- The diverse range of natural and human-induced causes behind cetacean strandings.

- Why New Zealand's Farewell Spit has earned its reputation as a geographical "whale trap".

- The critical actions that first responders take when they arrive at strandings.

- Project Jonah’s marine mammal medic training programme.

- How Project Jonah mobilises its network of trained volunteers throughout the country when strandings are reported.

- How stranding patterns are becoming less predictable with climate change.

- The intriguing possibility of AI decoding whale communication in the coming years.

- Simple actions anyone can take to support marine mammal conservation.

👩 About Daren:

Daren Grover is the General Manager of Project Jonah, the marine mammal welfare charity saving whales and dolphins in New Zealand. Daren is an expert in marine mammal stranding response, with hands-on experience in mass stranding events and extensive emergency management training.

He collaborates closely with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, providing field support and staff training to uphold best practices. A dedicated educator, Daren trains several hundred volunteers annually, strengthening NZ's national stranding response network. His leadership spans operational logistics, welfare strategies, and multi-agency coordination for mass stranding events.

🔗Learn more:

- Project Jonah’s website: www.projectjonah.org.nz

- Facebook: www.facebook.com/projectjonah

- Instagram: www.instagram.com/projectjonahnz

🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

What New Zealand predator flies at up to 200km/hour yet is now rarer than our iconic kiwi? With fewer than 8,000 kārearea (NZ’s endemic falcon) remaining, these aerial hunters serve as crucial indicators of our ecosystem's health.

For 32+ years, the Wingspan Bird of Prey Centre in Rotorua has been at the forefront of protecting these remarkable predators and reversing their decline.

In this episode of the People Helping Nature Podcast, General Manager Ineke Milner, reveals how Wingspan blends 4,000-year-old falconry practices with cutting-edge conservation techniques.

Through Wingspan’s four main focuses (rehabilitation, research, education, and advocacy), they're creating meaningful connections between people and these often-misunderstood birds.

Despite their fearless hunting prowess, kārearea face serious threats. Introduced predators like feral cats target their nests at night, while habitat loss and even deliberate persecution further challenge their survival.

The kārearea's unique adaptability as both a forest and open-country hunter has been their saving grace as forests have diminished. As Ineke explains, this rare dual-hunting ability has helped them adapt where other species couldn't - though their numbers still remain low.

Here are some of the key topics we discussed:

• The five bird of prey species in New Zealand and their conservation status
• Why raptors function as crucial indicators of overall ecosystem health
• The 4,000-year history of falconry and its surprising connection to conservation
• How Wingspan uses falconry techniques to rehabilitate injured birds
• The major threats facing NZ falcons, including introduced species and human persecution
• Simple actions anyone can take to support raptor conservation
• Why conservation ultimately connects to human wellbeing

👩 About Ineke:

A passionate advocate for wildlife and conservation with a journey spanning from the lush landscapes of Rotorua to the far reaches of the globe, Ineke has a deep-rooted love for nature.

She contributed to Wingspan in earlier years, serving as raptor PR and aviculturist, where she honed her expertise in caring for ngā manu. Her time at International Wildlife Consultants (Wales) further solidified her commitment to conservation efforts on an international scale. Notably, she proudly represented NZ at the 2014 International Falconry Festival (UAE), showcasing her expertise and passion for avian conservation.

In addition to her conservation work, Ineke has made significant contributions to education as a science/biology teacher and as assistant head of the science department. Her devotion to outdoor education has allowed her to instil a love for nature in students, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Ineke's career is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a deep connection to the natural world. She is excited to lead Wingspan into the next chapter of its journey.

🔗Learn more:

• Wingspan’s website: www.wingspan.co.nz
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/WingspanNewZealand
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/wingspan.nz

🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org