The Stephens Island wren became extinct because of the lighthouse keeper’s cat. The only European to ever see the Stephens Island wren alive was David Lyall, the lighthouse keeper on Stephens Island in 1894. Stephens Island is the northern-most island in the Marlborough Sounds. David Lyall reported that his cat had brought him 17 birds, which were all the same species (they were later named the Stephens Island wren). The cat hunted the wren, which could not fly, and the wren became extinct soon after it was discovered. In fact, the Stephens Island wren was discovered and then became extinct within the space of a year. Thanks to a cat!
Credits: Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of NZ)

I have a real soft spot for pets and have always shared my home with companions of the four-legged kind. But, while I generally love cats, there is one around that is fast turning this into very much a love-hate relationship. Around a week ago, a new cat appeared in the neighbourhood. It is large, ginger and clearly a tomcat. A tomcat looking for love can be a terribly noisy creature and this one has a voice that causes sleepless nights and teeth-grinding days. I don’t know much about cat mating habits, but I really hope that this tomcat gets the kind of loving he is looking for and moves on soon.