Forest & Bird is celebrating the Department of Conservation’s latest predator control results on Rakiura Stewart Island, which opens the door to future ecological restoration – including the potential return of kākāpō to their former natural home.
The aerial 1080 operation targeted predators, including feral cats, which have been driving the tiny population of critically endangered pukunui Southern New Zealand dotterel to the edge of extinction. Feral cats prey on native birds, bats, and insects. Since the end of August, camera results haven't detected a single cat and only three have been caught in traps.
The results, which also show significant feral deer reduction, demonstrate how predator and pest control can give hope for returning species that are reaching the limits of their current habitat, such as tīeke saddleback, mohua yellowhead, and kākāpō.
“Rakiura was once a stronghold for kākāpō. Seeing results at this scale gives real hope that, in the not-too-distant future, we could bring these extraordinary birds back home again,” says Forest & Bird Chief Executive Nicola Toki.
“As far back as the 1960s, Forest & Bird has spoken up for kākāpō, recognising that successful breeding seasons would require safe, predator‑free habitats. It’s amazing to reach the point where these birds actually need more habitat beyond those small predator-free islands.
“There are so many New Zealanders who would love to hear a resonant kākāpō mating call booming across a wild Rakiura beach. We’re hoping that with the help of groups like Zero Invasive Predators, these results lead to a Predator Free Rakiura.”
On Rakiura, the forest understorey has been severely degraded and the entire ecosystem is at risk of collapse, because of the impact of pest species including deer and possums. Any reduction in the deer population through predator control helps with the native forest’s ability to recover and regenerate.
“New Zealand urgently needs a nationally coordinated action plan to get these pests under control,” says Ms Toki.
“This is an issue across Aotearoa, and one Forest & Bird deals with particularly in our Lenz Reserve in the Catlins, where feral deer and pigs cause significant damage.”
Forest & Bird’s long‑standing conservation efforts across the south include work to protect a wide range of species, from hoiho yellow-eyed penguin to pekapeka-tou-roa long-tailed bat and even the tiny freshwater fish Gollum galaxias. Forest & Bird’s Southland branch donated $20,000 to Southern NZ Dotterel (Pukunui) Project in 2023.
“Our amazing volunteers help with a huge range of boots-on-the-ground coordinated action, as well as regional and national advocacy to drive meaningful and lasting environmental change,” says Ms Toki.
“The Department of Conservation’s results here are really a message of hope – that if predator-free initiatives are science‑led, properly funded, and grounded in partnership, New Zealand can keep building momentum.
“Bringing back the birdsong is the dream, and these results show we’re on the right track to making dreams a reality."
Back to top anchor
Forest and Bird
Forest and Bird