Stoat with dead chick
Image: David Hallett | ©

Pests and threats

Introduction

New Zealand's unique biodiversity is at risk from pests, weeds and other threats.

Biosecurity helps prevent damage by animal pests, weeds, didymo, and diseases like kauri dieback.

The conservation status of our species is assessed according to their risk of extinction.

    Animal pests and threats A - Z

    Animal pests and threats A - Z

    Animal pests and threats have a major detrimental effect on our environment. Controlling them is essential for the survival of our native plants and animals.
    National Predator Control Programme

    National Predator Control Programme

    Our predator control programme protects native wildlife and forests on public conservation land.
    Wild Animals Management Programme

    Wild Animals Management Programme

    Our Wild Animals Management Programme manages wild goats, deer, pigs, tahr, and chamois to protect native plants and habitats.
    Predator Free 2050

    Predator Free 2050

    Predator Free 2050 is working towards an Aotearoa where our native species are safe from extinction and thrive alongside us – and everyone has a role to play.
    Our pest control methods

    Our pest control methods

    Our pest control methods are essential for the survival of many native species and ecosystems.
    1080 – biodegradable bait pellets

    1080 – biodegradable bait pellets

    1080 is proven to be a safe and effective tool for controlling introduced predators. Find out how we're using it to save our native wildlife and forests.
    Freshwater pests

    Freshwater pests

    Find out about the freshwater pests that are found in and threaten our freshwater ecosystems.
    Kauri dieback disease

    Kauri dieback disease

    PA is a pathogen that can kill kauri of all ages. It is also referred to as kauri disease or kauri dieback.
    Weeds

    Weeds

    Weeds are smothering our native plants and destroying our native landscapes.
    Myrtle rust

    Myrtle rust

    Myrtle rust is a wind-borne fungal disease that can infect taonga species such as mānuka, pōhutukawa and rātā.
    Toxoplasmosis and Hector’s and Māui dolphin

    Toxoplasmosis

    Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease which reproduces in cats and is a significant threat to dolphins.
    Protected species bycatch

    Protected species bycatch

    The Conservation Services Programme (CSP) monitors the impact of commercial fishing on protected species, studies species populations and looks at ways to mitigate bycatch.
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