CatMap Project
A collaborative initiative to protect Hawaiʻi's native bird populations by tracking feral cat colonies while prioritizing confidentiality and humane solutions.
About the Project
CatMap is a collaborative mapping platform developed to protect Hawaiʻi's vulnerable native bird populations, such as Nēnē, from threats posed by feral cats. Originally developed by nene.org, the project aims to:
- Reduce the harmful impact of feral cats on endangered species like the Hawaiian petrel.
- Address the spread of diseases such as toxoplasmosis that threaten wildlife and human communities.
- Encourage public participation to inform feral cat population estimates and management strategies.
- Promote humane solutions like Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and adoption programs.
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.
Project Impact
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.