Pests and the damage they do
Rats
Eat birds, eggs, reptiles and insects.
Mice
Eat small birds, reptiles and insects.
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Argentine ants
Can grow into large colonies with an aggressive appetite, killing birds, reptiles and native insects.
Weed seeds
Can become a weed forest, smothering native plants.
Soil
Can contain plant diseases such as kauri dieback disease.
Find out more about kauri dieback
Ship rat predating fantail nest
Rainbow skinks
Breed prolifically and have already displaced our native skinks on the mainland. Are easily transported to islands in pot plants, soil and garden materials.
Dogs and other pets
Can easily injure or kill wildlife e.g. kiwi or ground nesting birds such as NZ dotterels. Pets are not permitted on conservation islands.