The Predator Free 2050 Programme is investing in unlocking science and innovation to achieve the goal of eradicating predators so that native species can thrive.
By supporting scientists, technologists, inventors and entrepreneurs, innovative tools like smart traps, new toxins, lures, drones and AI enabled smart detection devices are being developed. We trial and test tools to a very high standard to ensure they’re safe, effective and meet animal welfare standards.
Scientific research also includes lab research into potential future breakthrough solutions like genetics and predator-specific toxins. Some of these technologies have not been used in New Zealand before and are a long time away from being ready. New Zealanders will be able to consider and respond to proposed new technologies through public engagement and consultation with iwi before any decisions are made.
We’re also investing in mātauranga Māori-based solutions which are grounded in generations of cultural and environmental knowledge.
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Growing the toolbox to eradicate predators
Achieving Predator Free 2050 is still beyond our reach with our current toolbox. To achieve the goal, we need tools and techniques that are cost-effective, socially acceptable and can be used across all of New Zealand.
There is no one tool or technique that will be a silver bullet. We need a wide range of options to eradicate different predators in different environments like farms, cities and islands.
What is eradication
Eradication means the complete and permanent removal of predators. Eradication is much more difficult to achieve than controlling predator numbers to low levels because it requires more resources, new tools and detailed planning.
Eradication also means we can detect any predators coming back into the area and remove them before they breed.
For endangered native animals and plants, eradicating predators could mean the difference between living on the edge of extinction and thriving. If you have been to a fenced sanctuary or predator-free island, you will have seen and heard the difference.
For example, since pests were eradicated from Kapiti Island in 1996, some lizard populations have grown 28-fold and around 1,200 kiwi pukupuku / little spotted kiwi now call the island home.
Highlights of Predator Free science and innovation work
These examples highlight the wide range of Predator Free 2050 science and innovation projects that bring us one step closer to achieving Predator Free 2050.
Smart detection tools
Smart tools like the DOC AI camera, developed by The Cacophony Project, help us quickly detect predators.
This AI camera recently helped us discover a rat invading predator free Motutapu Island. The camera was able to track, identify, and send real-time alerts to the team.
Our team were able to speedily remove the rat and safeguard the threatened species that call Motutapu home, including tīeke, takahē and kiwi.
Smart traps
Smart traps have built in technology to make trapping more efficient.
The AI self-resetting trap developed by Critter Solutions triggers only when AI detects a target predator. It won’t trigger on native species, pets and other animals. Due to the AI, the trap is also designed to be more open and inviting to many predators that may be hesitant to enter conventional traps.
It’s self-resetting, self-luring and can alert team members with real-time information. So these traps might be able to work for longer periods of time than conventional traps without people checking them. This could reduce time and costs.
Major island eradications
Over the last 70 years, we’ve tried and tested methods to make islands predator free. These innovative techniques helped propel the world into exponentially scaling up eradications on bigger and bigger islands. There have been over 110 successful island eradications in New Zealand and around 1,000 successful eradications in the world – and New Zealand is responsible for the lion’s share.
The innovation we do as part of island eradications builds critical knowledge and momentum for other eradication projects across New Zealand.
Predator Free 2050 includes groundbreaking major island eradication projects like Predator Free Rakiura and Maukahuka Pest Free Auckland Island. These projects are currently innovating by developing and testing new baits, using AI detection and testing thermal imagery techniques.
Bait developments
New types of bait can help us target predators more effectively.
Carnivore predators like feral cats, stoats, weasels and ferrets pose a major risk to native species. Stoats are the number one threat to kiwi chicks and feral cats have killed over 100 native bats in just one week.
Trapping and aerial 1080 operations are effective at targeting these predators but have their limits. Trapping is time and labour intensive and not possible on rugged terrain. Aerial 1080 operations are effective but only if there are high numbers of rats. Carnivores don’t directly eat 1080 cereal baits but are targeted indirectly when they eat poisoned rats.
Teams at DOC are researching new ways to target these predators by using effective toxins to protect native wildlife. Research includes field trials with small sausage meat baits that contain toxins like PAPP (para-aminopropiophenone) and 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate).
Trials so far show promising results that the meat baits are effective on carnivorous predators and not attractive to most native species. We’re continuing research to ensure these baits are safe, effective and protect native wildlife.
Scientific research in predator genetics
Studying predator genetics has the potential to help develop efficient, long-lasting and humane tools to remove predators. Understanding a predator’s unique genetic code can help us identify their “Achilles' heel” or weakness. The Predator Free 2050 programme has now mapped all the genomes of rats, stoats, ferrets and possums.
There are also further opportunities on the horizon. For example, new genetic techniques can identify natural mutations where predators have infertile offspring. By spreading this genetic mutation over generations, we could suppress fertility of predators to reduce or eradicate them. However any future genetic technology proposals would require a comprehensive risk assessment and public debate.
Learn more
You can take a deeper dive into some of specific science and innovation projects that are underway, like:
- fundamental research into ecology and animal behaviour at universities and research institutes like Manaaki Whenua | Bioeconomy Science Institute
- new and improved tools and technology via Tools to Market and other research and development projects
- Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) who are undertaking several large landscape eradications and developing tools and techniques as they go.