Eradicating mammalian predators from New Zealand – can we do it?

New Zealand has embarked on a very ambitious goal to eradicate mustelids, rodents and possums that have decimated our biodiversity since they were introduced to the country. The eradication of these species by 2050 is New Zealand’s last chance to save our unique biodiversity which evolved in the absence of land-based mammalian predators. 

The predator-free movement is sweeping New Zealand and is borne by a real sense of urgency to prevent further loss of the species that are unique to New Zealand. The movement requires partnerships and it has resulted in agencies, communities, mana whenua, landowners and innovators working together. The presentation will describe the program, progress to date, research and development, and where to next.

Brett Butland has been in nature conservation management for over 30 years and has extensive experience in developing and implementing strategies and management interventions to control and eradicate invasive species and restore indigenous ecosystems. Brett leads a lean and agile team that supports predator control and eradication projects at large landscape scale and the breakthrough science needed to underpin them. He has academic qualifications in nature conservation, with zoology, botany, ecology and environmental education majors. His passion is working with communities and landowners to restore biodiversity.

In previous roles, he directed the multi-species eradication project on Rangitoto and Motutapu islands in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. In South Africa he was a wildlife ranger for the Natal Parks Board where he coordinated the first ever International Coastal Clean-up in South Africa and developed a unique community/regional government cooperative conservation model now known in South Africa as “marine conservancies”.

In his spare time, Brett is a member of the Rotary Club of Orewa-Millwater (District 9910) and a trustee, and former chair, of the Motutapu Restoration Trust.