Pest Control and Monitoring

Pest control is a major industry in New Zealand due to the destruction introduced species have caused to native wildlife and the habitat in which these sometimes endemic species live in. 

Over 2.7 million hectares in New Zealand (or 9% of the country) is managed by the Department of Conservation to varied degrees of preservation. In areas where introduced predators or pests are known to be effecting the survival rate of native wildlife, control is undertaken by eliminating and maintaining populations of these animals. 

There are various methods of control - from toxin use, to trapping and ground control (shooting, which can also occur aerially). These methods are always improving with time as technology progresses and more is known and researched about the behaviour or these pests. 

In New Zealand there are special areas that have been eradicated of all predators and ungulates through years of hard work and maintenance but unfortunately at this stage predator numbers on the mainland can only be controlled to a managable number rather than eradicated permanently without the help of natural barriers like water surrounding off shore islands, or predator exclusive fences being built. 

To establish population estimates, monitoring is conducted in the form of tracking cards, chew cards, wax tags, scat counts and trap lines. Methods used to record data on how pest animals are interacting with control efforts or to ascertain densities in areas with no control or after toxin lay-outs. 

Wildlife Protection Services' staff have 15 years experience in conducting both control and monitoring in various environments and conditions. From eradication projects to standard maintenance.