Several sightings of a black cat on the predator-free Rangitoto Island, in Auckland, have prompted a search and incursion response from the Department of Conservation (DOC).
At 12pm on Tuesday, Waitangi Day, DOC was alerted to two sightings of what "may be" a black cat at Islington Bay on the island.
DOC stafff on the island were seeking further information and checking in with bach owners as well as undertaking a preliminary search of the area where the feline was spotted, DOC Auckland operations manager John Gailee said.
![The shoreline of Rangitoto Island. Photo / Robert Bruce](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/3R67B2DANM5SVVLW4DFZIVKFOQ.jpg?auth=69d3144f7a87ae5a700c2d2d65642cda9218bfff276a19e49f0e463a05897a2e&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)
The potential presence of a cat on the pest-free island was of great concern to DOC and subsequently a full cat incursion response was being undertaken.