The threat of predators was identified at the beginning of the 1900s and through the efforts of scientists and experts from the Department of Conservation (DOC), TBFree (OSPRI) and regional councils, it has become increasingly better understood.
Throughout the 20th century, government agencies – mainly DOC, TBFree, regional councils and Landcare Research – invested many hundreds of millions of dollars in battling mammalian predators. Their expertise is now internationally recognised.
At the same time many thousands of New Zealanders, generally as volunteers, individually or in groups, have invested millions of hours killing rats, stoats and possums all over the country. While there have been many success stories, sadly overall the battle is being lost; predator populations are increasing and many native species are in decline.
Click below to find out more about our introduced predators.
Did you know that possums eat native weta and can eat up to 60 giant Powelliphanta snails a night?
Read all about the world’s smallest carnivore and why its diet is causing us trouble.
The first 5 ferrets were brought to New Zealand in 1879 to get rid of rabbits.
Did you know the stoat that was introduced to NZ in 1884 to control rabbits and hares?
NZ has the highest rate of cat ownership in the world. They are predators of our native species as well as pets.