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Local conservation groups are celebrating a momentous milestone in the battle to save Northland’s native wildlife, with more than one million animal pests eradicated during the last 13 years.
The figures were released by Kiwi Coast Trust, an organisation that collects and collates pest control data from its vast network of landowners, hapū-led projects, farmers, community groups, organisations and schools across the region.
In total, 1,108,835 pests have been removed, with 502,313 possums, 431,239 rodents and 17,532 stoats eradicated.
Last year alone, 142,096 pests were destroyed, with an average trap catch of 2732 pests per week. Although impressive, the figures are thought to be even higher due to pests also being eradicated via other methods, including toxic poisons.
Of the 279 entities linked to the Kiwi Coast network, 19 are local groups, including Piroa Conservation Trust, Bream Tail Farms, Marunui Conservation and others. These projects cover around 23,500 hectares, with most of the area spanning from the hills of the Brynderwyns to the waterways of Bream Bay.
“It’s a privilege to collate the data for all the groups and projects linked into the Kiwi Coast network. More than one million pests removed is a phenomenal achievement, and our forests, wetlands and coastal areas are so much healthier as a result. Native forests are bursting with birdsong again in many areas where projects have sustained their efforts over decades,” Kiwi Coast chief executive Ngaire Sullivan said.
Pest control work carried out by local conservation groups has enabled kiwi to flourish in Mangawhai and beyond. Earlier this year, three young North Island brown kiwi were released in native forest behind Te Waorahi, near Langs Beach. Once earmarked for a residential housing development, the land is now home to kiwi and flourishing native wildlife.
Piroa Conservation Trust trustee Peter Hunt applauded the efforts of local conservation groups.
“These are really impressive numbers and represent a huge win for the region’s native wildlife. It shows how effective grassroots community action can be. Residents, farmers, hapū and local trapping groups have put in a lot of hard mahi to achieve this result. They can be immensely proud of their contribution,” Hunt said.
“It’s no coincidence that Northland is the only region in New Zealand where kiwi numbers are increasing. Last year’s annual Kiwi Survey showed kiwi were spreading across the High Value Area in the Piroa Brynderwyn Ranges. When we get it right for kiwi, we get it right for other native species, too.”
