CatMap Project
A groundbreaking initiative that has successfully mapped over 900 feral cat colonies across Hawaiʻi, protecting native bird populations while pioneering humane solutions and data-driven conservation.
CatMap's Success Story
CatMap has become Hawaiʻi's most comprehensive feral cat tracking platform, demonstrating the power of community-driven conservation. Developed by nene.org, this pioneering project has successfully:
- Mapped over 900 feral cat colonies across all Hawaiian islands, creating the state's most comprehensive database
- Collected 6,500+ community sightings from 550+ dedicated contributors
- Provided critical data for protecting endangered species like the Hawaiian petrel and Nēnē
- Established trust-based reporting systems that balance conservation needs with colony manager concerns
- Demonstrated that community-powered conservation can deliver measurable, actionable results
Key Features
Confidential Colony Mapping
Detailed mapping to protect critical habitats and manage colonies effectively.
Data Integration
Overlay data with protected species habitats for targeted actions.
Community Reporting
Crowdsourced sightings to strengthen data collection.
Risk Analysis
Evaluate toxoplasmosis risk areas to protect vulnerable species.
Proven Impact & Success
CatMap by the Numbers
These achievements have provided invaluable data for conservation efforts and inspired our next evolution.
Why Confidentiality Matters
To prevent misuse of data and ensure the safety of feral cats, specific colony locations are not disclosed publicly. This approach fosters trust among colony managers and supports humane management efforts.
Impact on Wildlife
Feral cats are a major threat to native species in Hawaiʻi, contributing to predation and the spread of diseases like toxoplasmosis, which endangers species like the Nēnē, Hawaiian monk seals, and false killer whales. By identifying and managing feral cat populations, the project aims to measure and mitigate these impacts.
Evolution: Introducing FeralMap
Building on Success: FeralMap
The incredible success of CatMap has taught us that community-powered conservation works. Now, we're taking everything we've learned to create FeralMap — a comprehensive platform that expands beyond cats to track 11+ invasive species threatening Hawaiʻi's ecosystems.
What We Learned from CatMap
- •Community reporting delivers actionable data
- •Privacy-first design builds trust
- •Agency collaboration is essential
- •Simple interfaces maximize participation
What's New in FeralMap
- •11+ invasive species tracking
- •Smart triage & agency routing
- •Island-specific intelligence
- •Native iOS app (launching Jan 2026)
Species Now Tracked in FeralMap
Feral Animals
- • Feral Cats (from CatMap)
- • Feral Pigs
- • Feral Goats
- • Axis Deer
- • Mongoose
Invasive Pests
- • Coqui Frogs
- • Little Fire Ants
- • Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles
Invasive Birds
- • Rose-ringed Parakeets
- • Barn Owls
- • Cattle Egrets
Beta Launch: FeralMap is currently in beta testing with a public launch planned for January 1, 2026. Join now to help shape the platform and be among the first to protect Hawaiʻi from multiple invasive threats.
CatMap's Legacy Lives On in FeralMap
CatMap's proven success has evolved into FeralMap, which includes all feral cat tracking capabilities plus 10 additional invasive species. All CatMap data and lessons learned have been integrated into FeralMap's comprehensive platform, ensuring continuity while expanding our conservation impact across Hawaiʻi.
FeralMap uses H3 hexagonal mapping to visualize density patterns, making it easy to identify hotspots while protecting reporter privacy.
Press Coverage
Join FeralMap Today
Report feral cats and other invasive species on FeralMap, the next generation of community-powered conservation.
Join FeralMap
Report feral cats and 10+ other invasive species on FeralMap
Beta Access: Join now to help shape the platform before the January 2026 launch
FeralMap Launch
Public Launch
January 1, 2026