The Predator Free 2050 goal - fantasy or reality?

Professor James Ross shares his recent research work with Pest Free Banks Peninsula and highlight what he believes needs to happen next.

Since the Predator Free 2050 goal was announced in 2016, over 5,000 groups and iwi have registered to conduct predator control in their communities, supported in their actions by the Predator Free New Zealand Trust. Conservation has increased immensely, with 18 landscape-scale projects funded by the government through Predator Free 2050 Ltd. 

Clearing the New Zealand mainland of possums, rats, and mustelids is an ambitious goal. These landscape-scale projects, covering over 750,000 hectares, are a testament to the monumental effort and progress made thus far. However, with only 55,000 hectares currently declared pest-free, some have questioned the feasibility of this goal. Opponents suggest that other pest species are being overlooked and stress the crucial need for more scientific expertise in conservation management decision-making.