VALVERDE (EL HIERRO), 15 (EUROPA PRESS)
The Cabildo of El Hierro, in partnership with the Vice-Ministry of Ecological Transition, Climate Change Mitigation and Energy of the Government of the Canary Islands, has initiated a widespread sterilisation and identification campaign for domestic and wild cats on the island, with a financial investment of 49,999.99 euros.
Furthermore, this initiative aims to avert the widespread abandonment of cats through awareness campaigns, while also putting in place effective control measures such as sterilisation and identification.
This endeavour has the proactive support of the El Juaclo Animal Friends Association, a group with significant experience in the responsible management of domestic and wild animal populations on the island.
The Environmental Advisor of the Cabildo of El Hierro, Jesús Pérez, encourages residents and local organisations to engage actively in this initiative, “contributing to the achievement of the goals of safeguarding biodiversity and enhancing animal welfare across the island of El Hierro”.
The core activities of this project include the sterilisation and comprehensive identification of cats, concentrating on urban and rural areas as well as regions adjacent to protected natural habitats, prioritising locations with a high prevalence of feral cat colonies, according to a statement from the corporation.
Additionally, awareness campaigns will be conducted to educate the public about the significance of responsible pet management and to highlight the ecological impact of feral cats.
This action aligns with the Man and Biosphere (MaB) Programme and the Strategic Plan of the El Hierro Biosphere Reserve, integrating into two strategic objectives: enhancing the quality of life for residents and conserving native species while protecting natural spaces.
Moreover, it is encompassed within public policies centred on sustainability and biodiversity, advocating for a balance between human activities and the preservation of the natural environment.
The issue of cat abandonment and the increase of feline colonies, particularly those identified in protected natural areas, emphasises the urgent need for sustainable measures, as highlighted by the Cabildo.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), cats are classified among the 100 most detrimental species to the biodiversity of oceanic islands, and their presence in safeguarded natural areas, where they prey on endemic and endangered species, poses a considerable challenge for conservation efforts.
