Predator Free 2050: Pests and threats

Saddleback/Tīeke on Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island

Image: Leon Berard | ©

Introduction

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 vision

Imagine an Aotearoa New Zealand where our native species are safe from extinction and thriving alongside us. We all want our unique species of birds, frogs, lizards and plants to flourish. That’s why Predator Free 2050 is working towards eradication of three of our most damaging predators (rats, stoats, and possums) – and everyone has a role to play.

Nature in crisis

Sadly, we are rapidly losing these treasured species. Having evolved separately from the rest of the world for millions of years, our native animals did not learn to defend themselves against introduced predators. Now, these predators kill an estimated 25 million native birds each year. Some 4000 native species are threatened or at risk of extinction – one of the highest proportions in the world.

Achievable solutions

There’s good news. With government investment, Predator Free 2050:

innovating new tools and technology
protecting endangered species over millions of hectares
working with private landowners, iwi, and hapū to prepare for a world-first roll-out of eradication.

And people all over Aotearoa are taking part - backyard trapping, planting natives, volunteering, and donating. This movement brings together expertise from government, Māori, businesses, NGOs, and communities. Together, we can achieve a predator free New Zealand.

Towards a Predator Free 2050

This is no small undertaking, it’s requiring new collaborations, innovation and active communities. But, as New Zealanders, we’re ready for the challenge. Learn about the plan to get there in the Predator Free 2050 Strategy and how we’re #OneStepCloserPF2050 in the PF2050 5-year progress report. Strategy and 5-year progress report.