Predator free Banks Peninsula: scoping analysis

Abstract

There has been considerable public interest in predator control following the release of the government’s goal to make New Zealand predator free by 2050. Prompted and supported by the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust, this report undertakes an initial scoping analysis of the methods, cost and time required to remove five predator species from Banks Peninsula and maintain them at zero density. Because eradication requires permanent removal of the five target species (Norway rats, ship rats, possums, stoats, ferrets) but there are ongoing opportunities for reinvasion it would be necessary to indefinitely monitor and manage these predators after initial removal. Predator removal, using ground control, would rely on a mix of methods and would cost from $88 m. to $134 m. Ongoing costs would be in the order of $1.65 m. per annum, excluding buffer, quarantine and biosecurity measures. Even with a work force of 100 full time employees, eradication would take several years.