A community science project in Wellington has found cats have wiped out a population of North Island robins

The birds are said to have flown over from nearby Zealandia sanctuary into Waimapihi Reserve.

Locals have been working to trap pests and band robins in the reserve, but most birds vanish.

Local Lisa Whittle says a National Cat Act would help provide consistency with microchipping and keeping cats at home.

Ms Whittle says we also need to know the difference between feral cats and pets, so that we can act more strongly.