Eradication of introduced animals from the islands of New Zealand

Abstract

A wide range of exotic animals has been introduced deliberately or accidentally by humans to the majority of offshore and outlying islands in the New Zealand region. We consider most of these to be detrimental to the original biota of the islands. The eradication of 12 mammals and one bird (the weka) from 60 islands, continuing work on 17 operations and the failure or stopping of nine is recorded. Eradication of these animals makes sense only for islands beyond the animals' natural swimming range. Future eradications may be considered where changes can be made to the island or adjacent mainland which will prevent migration and re-invasion. The reasons for success of operations to eradicate animals from islands are discussed and some principles for future eradication projects proposed