Pest Fauna

It is a well-known fact that Aotearoa New Zealand has a disproportionate number of introduced animal species, many of which are detrimental to the survival of native wildlife. Many species, such as rodents (rats and mice) and mustelids (weasels, stoats and ferrets) are well documented and present around this area. This page will introduce some of these species, plus others that are not so well known. Brief introductions and a list of organisations where these can be reported will be included, as are some control methods.

iNaturalist has a list of exotic species for the Ramsar site but this is a little vague in terms of information. Best to search for the individual species in this link.

Before commencing any trapping of Mustelids, Rats or Possums please consult Department of Conservation booklet Practical Guide to Trapping 3rd edition.

One of the most comprehensive coverages of what is required to start and expand a successful pest control program is contained in a publication by Predator Free Miramar and titled How to kill rats and engage a community. It contains a detailed account of what is needed from trap building to engaging public and everything else in-between. It is a must read.

Predator Free NZ produces a series of excellent guides on the main predator species which can be viewed via this series of links. Weasel, Stoat, Ship Rat, Norway Rat and Possum.

Below are listed three of the best guides to pest control. All slightly different - follow the basics but adapt to your own person situation as required.

Asian Paper Wasp Polistes chinensis

A common species in the area. They do sting but are not as aggressive as Vespula wasps and stings not as severe. They take a heavy toll on native insects and their nests should be destroyed as soon as they are found. Normally only small structures they can sometimes be large.

First spray with a
commercial fly spray
and when there is no
sign of wasps in the
vicinity, destroy nests
which will kill any
remaining pupae.

If Monarch Butterflies
breed in your garden
there will be a nest
close-by. Well worth
checking.

possum

Brush-tailed Possum Trichosurus vulpecula

This serious pest of forests and gardens was introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand with a view to creating a fur trade. The first, in 1837 was unsuccessful but it was the 1858 attempt which started the colonisation of this destructive pest.

While some possum fur is still used, usually combined with wool to give extra strength, it is the side effect that is being felt now.

Possums are now trapped extensively to try to eradicate them.

Wildlife Foxton Trust has a trap library and loan out possum specific traps, with instructions for use in the Foxton Beach area. Enquiries via their website.
wildlifefoxton.org

MUSTELIDS

Three species make up this most lethal suite of introduced predators that Aotearoa New Zealand has. Weasel, Stoat and Ferret are capable killers being able to decimate entire populations of native species from areas that are not protected with an eradication program.

Traps and boxes can be purchased as a complete unit or separately. Boxes for these traps have a design which must be followed. The DoC 250 for stoats and ferrets and DoC 200 for weasels are the industry standard and design details can be found in this handy guide. More information is available in the three guides listed above.

The video opposite was taken by Cleland Wallace for which we acknowledge his permission to use. This photograph is of a ferret and was taken on the recent Bittern Muster (survey) at Lake Omanu. Being the domesticated form of the Polecat, they tend to be more confiding than the other two species. Efforts are underway to start a trapping program in the area, an important habitat for many species of birds.