Search continues for suspected black cat on predator-free Rangitoto

Rangitoto Island has been predator-free since 2011. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The search continues today for evidence of a black cat sighted on the predator-free Rangitoto Island, in Auckland.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) was told of two sightings of what "may be" a black cat at Islington Bay on the island at midday on Waitangi Day.

DoC immediately started looking for the cat in the area it was seen and checked with bach owners. The search is continuing today.

Rangitoto and neighbouring Motutapu have been pest-free since 2011, and are home to threatened native fauna that are at risk of being preyed on by the predator.

Birds such as the endangered tieke/saddleback, tui and kaka call Rangitoto home.

It is not the first time previously eradicated predators have made their way back to protected islands.

In January a rat was found on predator-free island Tiritiri Matangi, which is home to kiwi, takahe and tuatara among other protected wildlife.

It was caught almost three weeks later.

In November last year a mouse was spotted on the same island.

However, after an extensive search operation no evidence of the creature was found.