JEJU, March 3 (Korea Bizwire) — Authorities have begun the task of removing stray cats from Mara Island, as they pose a threat to crested murrelets, an endangered species.
Jeju’s World Heritage Office has captured 35 stray cats on Mara Island since Wednesday. The cats will be transferred to Jeju Island via barges.
The office plans to capture up to 40 cats, and round up the remaining stray cats by the end of this month in collaboration with local animal organizations.
The stray cats from Mara Island will go through a series of medical tests. If healthy, they will be kept under protection at a facility near the office.
A recent study suggested that a stray cat population of more than 80 would kill off all crested murrelets on Mara Island within 20 years.
Just last month, four carcasses of crested murrelets were found on the island, most likely hunted down by stray cats.
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