Stoat
The stoat is a member of the mustelid family, along with weasels and ferrets. It was introduced to New Zealand in the 1880s to control rabbits and hares.
Stoats are now considered "public enemy number one" for New Zealand birds.
Find out how to recognise a stoat and how these predators live and hunt.
The introduction of these cunning predators is commonly regarded as one of the worst mistakes made by colonists in New Zealand. View videos of stoats eating rock wren and kiwi.
Find out about DOC's work to control stoats in New Zealand.
Learn how to recognise if stoats are present, about stoat control methods and find out how you can be involved in reducing stoats in your area.
In this video we visit a Wanganui farmer’s Field Day, where the locals sample some pretty tasty goat curry, learn about predators and find out how they can involved and help protect wildlife.
Pest control is a huge, ongoing job that occurs throughout New Zealand. In this video you'll meet The Friends of Rotoiti, volunteer trappers helping control pests in Nelson Lakes National Park.
A hard-case Southland couple have come up with a novel way of incorporating stoat trapping with their jet boating business in Fiordland. Let’s go on a wild ride and see how it’s done in this video.
C.M. King (Ed.), 2005: The Handbook of New Zealand Mammals, Second Edition. Oxford University Press.
www.predatortraps.com Information about humane kill traps.
Northland Regional Council websiteInformation about mustelid control.
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) 24 hour emergency number to report:
Sick or injured wildlifeWhale or dolphin strandings
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