PAPER: Review of tools being developed for PF2050

Conserving New Zealand's native fauna: a review of tools being developed for the Predator Free 2050 programme

March 2019

Murphy EC, Russell JC, Broome KG, Ryan GJ, Dowding JE 2019. Conserving New Zealand's native fauna: a review of tools being developed for the Predator Free 2050 programme. Journal of Ornithology 160(3): 883-892.

ABSTRACT

The endemic fauna of New Zealand evolved in the absence of mammalian predators and the introduction of the latter has been devastating. There have been numerous avian extinctions and 80% of the extant native avian taxa are currently threatened or at risk of extinction. Declines continue, and a fundamental change in predator management is required. In 2016 came the announcement of the ambitious Predator Free 2050 (PF 2050) programme, which aims to eradicate rats, mustelids, and Brushtail Possums from New Zealand by 2050. This paper reviews some of the many techniques being discussed or developed to implement the programme.

KEYWORDS

Brushtail Possum; Eradication; Mustelid; Pest control; Rat; Social licence