Preserving Paradise: The Remarkable Journey of the Predator-Free Peninsula
Clearing the Path: A Decade-Long Mission to Eliminate Possums
The Predator-Free Peninsula initiative is an ambitious endeavor striving to rid the Otago Peninsula of possums. Since 2011, dedicated teams have toiled relentlessly to create a safer haven for native species. Over this period, an impressive 23,000 possums have been removed.
Presently, substantial progress has been made in clearing the Peninsula of possums. Many areas have witnessed complete eradication, while others are diligently addressing the remaining individual animals. The Common Brushtail Possum, introduced from Australia in the 1860s, poses threats such as habitat destruction, predation of native species, and competition for resources.
Home to the world's sole mainland albatross colony, Little Blue Penguins, and the endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin, the Peninsula stands as a critical biodiversity hub. The eradication of possums represents a significant stride toward restoring the ecological balance of this unique region.
The Brushtail Possum is a serious threat to native wildlife
Community Power: The Crucial Role of Locals in Conservation
One of the primary challenges in conservation lies in community involvement. Conservation efforts should not be confined to a select few but should engage and empower entire communities to take ownership of their surroundings. The Predator-Free Peninsula initiative exemplifies this approach.
With a population of nearly a thousand people, the Otago Peninsula comprises a mix of private and public land used for various purposes, including farming, industry, and recreation. Achieving community involvement on such a scale is no small feat. The anticipated eradication of possums within a year, involving thousands of people, is a remarkable testament to community ownership.
Without community involvement none of this would be possible
Shining a Light on Possums: A Successful Social Media-Driven Initiative
But how does one achieve practical community buy-in? The Predator-Free Peninsula has successfully addressed this challenge through its innovative social media campaign called 'Spotlight on Possums.' This initiative turns community members into the 'eyes and ears' of the eradication effort, urging them to explore their surroundings at night, armed with flashlights.
Acknowledging that not everyone may be comfortable killing animals, the initiative simply asks residents to identify and report possum sightings. The results have been promising, with eight possums identified and three eradicated, showcasing the power of community engagement in tracking elusive populations.
'Spotlight on Possums' initiative uses community involvement to find elusive possums
From Nightly Encounters to Silent Roads: Sustaining Success in the Predator-Free Peninsula
The journey doesn't end with eradication; preventing pest reinvasion is equally crucial. The wider Predator-Free Dunedin initiative collaborates with over twenty community groups covering more than 65,000 hectares to ensure pests, including possums, are kept at bay. The Halo project, a community group with 1800 traps, plays a vital role in maintaining low pest numbers citywide, safeguarding the peninsula's possum-free status.
The results speak volumes — a decade ago, possums were a common sight on roads after dark. Today, thanks to collective efforts, the roads remain silent, offering a promising outlook for the preservation of the Peninsula's unique wildlife.
An eventual predator free city is the goal
Beyond Eradication: The Transformative Impact on Local Wildlife
Fantails were once declared functionally extinct in the city, decimated by introduced pests. Other species were struggling, particularly the kereru, who not only were preyed upon by introduced pests but also competed for resources with possums.
In recent years, local residents have made an effort to turn things around with both the Predator Free Peninsula initiative and the Predator Free Dunedin efforts. The results have been spectacular: Between 2019 and 2020, the number of observed Kereru in the city of Dunedin jumped from 867 to 2613!
Kereru are a cornerstone species that are critical dispersers of many of our native fruit trees. Without them, our forest biodiversity suffers. As many of these fruit trees are also flowering species, this has the added benefit of creating more food for other native birds like the Tui, which is a key pollinator.
This isn’t a small thing. As a child growing up in Dunedin, I spent each weekend trapping possums around the city. During a decade in those hills, I remember only ever seeing three Kereru and a handful of fantails. It’s exciting to see my home coming back to life.
Kereru return to Dunedin
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