We’re on Maui, learning about efforts to manage the extreme number of feral cats—and how that will benefit both cats and the ecosystem! Cats in the wild have relatively harsh, short lives. And, they spread disease, posing health threats to birds, marine mammals, and humans. Cats also prey on native birds—from the nearshore wetlands to the high forests—killing critically endangered native species and disrupting the ecosystem.

Across Maui Nui, experts are working to innovatively solve the problem of too many cats. We talk to Mayor Michael Victorino; Jay Penniman and Jenni Learned from the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project; Emily Drose from the Maui Humane Society; Darlene Rayhill from the Good Cat Network; and Kehau Kimokeo from the Division of Aquatic Resources—all working to restore the resilience of Maui’s environment by reducing the number of feral cats, rebuilding native bird populations, and supporting the recovery of endangered marine mammals.