Dogs, cats and chickens are some of the more popular pets Aucklanders keep these days. But what happens when you adopt a pest?
A couple of news stories about pests as pets recently caught our attention and while we’re animal lovers too, the council’s focus is on protecting our native species from extinction as they can’t always defend themselves.
Possums, hedgehogs and mustelid (weasels, stoats and ferrets) species have been classified as pests for decades due to the destructive nature of their behaviour and impact on our native taonga – including both native animal and plant species. For example, possums can cause the death of native trees and predate on chicks and eggs. They also affect primary production by browsing on pasture and can spread bovine tuberculosis.
A list of species considered pests can be found in the Auckland Regional Pest Management Strategy.
Threat to nature
While people may have the best of intentions, they may be breaking the law. Communicating (moving), exhibiting and releasing pest animals are just some of the offences recognised under the Biosecurity Act.
"There are rules around these pests – and for good reason,” Auckland Council's Biosecurity Manager Rachel Kelleher says. “With many species native to Aotearoa at risk, we all need to pitch in and help with conservation efforts."
“Moving around, breeding and releasing pest species back into the wild goes against the decades of volunteer work done to combat pests,” she says.
She says if we’re not careful, the hard work and money that has been spent on containing pest numbers could quickly and easily unravel.
“The council undertakes possum control across Auckland, as they compete with native animals for limited food resources,” Rachel says.
“They also directly prey on native birds and invertebrates, including kererū, North Island kōkako and kākā. The council’s management programmes focus on ensuring they don’t establish on islands currently free of possums and controlling them to protect ecological and primary production values.”
Pest strategy
Both possums and hedgehogs are recognised as pests in the council’s Auckland Regional Pest Management Strategy.
"It is important that people holding or thinking about holding these species be aware of their obligations,” Rachel says.
“We regularly work with individuals and groups to provide them with information and education and where necessary may take enforcement action to ensure our natural environment and economy is protected against the impact of pest species.”
