An overview of introduced predator management in inhabited landscapes

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 371 ◽  
Author(s):  
James C. Russell ◽  
Margaret C. Stanley
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Population Biology ◽  
Habitat Restoration ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Oceanic Islands ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Predator Management ◽  
Introduced Predator ◽  
Mammalian Predators

Predators play a critical role in ecosystems; however, when overly abundant, they can disrupt natural processes and cause extinctions of species. In particular, oceanic islands have endured many impacts of introduced mammalian predators. Whereas knowledge and management of introduced mammalian predators on islands is well advanced in natural landscapes, in inhabited landscapes, spanning rural and urban environments, comparatively less is known. We summarise key issues from the natural and social sciences in the management of introduced mammalian predators in inhabited landscapes of Aotearoa–New Zealand. We describe the shift in focus over the past few decades from management of introduced mammalian herbivores to predators in rural environments, and the growth in management of introduced mammalian predators in urban environments, both seeking to emulate conservation gains made in forested landscapes. We discuss the circumstances around companion animal management at the interface of the natural and social sciences. We summarise surveys of attitudes towards introduced mammalian predators, the role of biodiversity co-management between Māori and Pakeha, and the importance of also considering non-biodiversity benefits from introduced predator management. We describe the rise of community predator control and large landscape projects aspiring for a ‘Predator Free New Zealand’, and how such an aspiration must be concurrent with habitat restoration. We make recommendations for further research on the basic population biology of predators in inhabited landscapes, and more long-term studies. Such studies should be integrated with examination of the motivations for predator management, as well as the biodiversity and social outcomes of such management. We conclude by remarking that introduced predator management is only one component of a robust national strategy for conservation of native biodiversity in New Zealand.

scholarly journals Complete genomes of two extinct New Zealand passerines show responses to climate fluctuations but no evidence for genomic erosion prior to extinction

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 20190491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Dussex ◽  
Johanna von Seth ◽  
Michael Knapp ◽  
Olga Kardailsky ◽  
Bruce C. Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Human Impacts ◽  
Oceanic Islands ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Climate Fluctuations ◽  
Forest Clearing ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Demographic Trajectories ◽  
Human Climate

Human intervention, pre-human climate change (or a combination of both), as well as genetic effects, contribute to species extinctions. While many species from oceanic islands have gone extinct due to direct human impacts, the effects of pre-human climate change and human settlement on the genomic diversity of insular species and the role that loss of genomic diversity played in their extinctions remains largely unexplored. To address this question, we sequenced whole genomes of two extinct New Zealand passerines, the huia ( Heteralocha acutirostris ) and South Island kōkako ( Callaeas cinereus ). Both species showed similar demographic trajectories throughout the Pleistocene. However, the South Island kōkako continued to decline after the last glaciation, while the huia experienced some recovery. Moreover, there was no indication of inbreeding resulting from recent mating among closely related individuals in either species. This latter result indicates that population fragmentation associated with forest clearing by Maōri may not have been strong enough to lead to an increase in inbreeding and exposure to genomic erosion. While genomic erosion may not have directly contributed to their extinctions, further habitat fragmentation and the introduction of mammalian predators by Europeans may have been an important driver of extinction in huia and South Island kōkako.

scholarly journals Understanding the distribution of introduced mammalian predators in an urban environment using monitoring tools and community trapping

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Cherie Balls
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Urban Environment ◽  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Trap Density ◽  
Predator Control ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Monitoring Devices ◽  
Tracking Tunnels ◽  
Broad Scale

<p>Introduced mammalian predators are one of the largest conservation threats to New Zealand native flora and fauna, and there is an increasing concern about their presence in urban environments, coupled with a recognition that cities present a unique opportunity for ecological restoration, due to the availability of a large number of volunteers and options for intensive management of green spaces and gardens. Predator control is an essential step towards the ecological restoration of urban environments, however, it requires an understanding of the factors influencing the distribution of these mammalian predators before successful control operations can be implemented. Few studies have investigated mammalian predators in urban environments, and there is little certainty about what drives their distribution in these environments. This thesis used simple mammal monitoring techniques and trapping data to investigate the distribution of mammalian predators within broad scale urban environments, with the aim of identifying drivers of their distribution.  Chew cards and tracking tunnels collected across three New Zealand cities were assessed for their efficacy as accurate monitoring devices in urban environments. In Chapter 2, monitoring devices were cross-checked between observers to assess the level of consistency in interpretation of chew and tracking marks. The consistency of chew card and tracking tunnel identifications was relatively high overall and were not substantially influenced by the city of identification, or the duration of card exposures. Monitoring devices were also assessed for their change in sensitivity between one and six-night exposures. Both devices were effective at detecting rats, however, tracking tunnels showed greater sensitivity and consistency in detecting mice and hedgehogs, whereas chew cards were better suited to the monitoring of possums. Neither device was particularly effective at detecting mustelids or cats.  In Chapter 3, mammalian predators were monitored across 24 monitoring lines in autumn, 2018, and results were compiled with spring 2017 and autumn 2018 data, pre-collected in two other cities, following the same procedures. There were distinct differences in the broad-scale habitat utilisation of rats, mice, hedgehogs, with possums being the only species to show a strong preference for urban forests. Only two of the tested microhabitat variables had an influence on species distributions. Detection of rats declined with increasing distance to the coast, and the increase in human population size was related to a significant increase in hedgehogs. There was a strong seasonal difference on the influence of local trap density and the detection of mammals. The increase in trap density within 25-50m radii was significantly related to a decrease in rat and hedgehog detections. Overall, there are substantial differences between the distributions of species in an urban environment.  Trapping is one of the main methods of predator control in New Zealand, and is already widespread within urban and suburban Wellington. In Chapter 4, I compiled trap data from 22 community trapping groups operating in residential and reserve areas in Wellington City. Residential groups (“backyard trappers”) used a high proportion of Victor and various rat and mouse traps, which was strongly linked to their high number of rat and mouse catches. Groups trapping in reserves used a high proportion of DOC 200, Victor and A24 traps, however, fewer hedgehogs were caught compared to residential areas. Catches were significantly influenced by various landscape variables. An increased distance of traps to streams led to significantly higher catches of rats, conversely, proximity to streams resulted in significantly higher catches of mice and hedgehogs. Although few catches of weasels were reported, traps closer to the coast and to forest fragments caught significantly more individuals.  The research in this thesis contributes to the small body of research conducted on mammalian predators within urban environments. The findings in this thesis can assist with the current and future predator management programmes, by highlighting areas of potential significance, particularly in Wellington.</p>

scholarly journals New Zealand Falcon nests suffer lower predation in agricultural habitat than in natural habitat

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 512-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
SARA M. KROSS ◽  
PAUL G. McDONALD ◽  
XIMENA J. NELSON
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Oceanic Islands ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Video Footage ◽  
Introduced Predators ◽  
Agricultural Habitat ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
The Hill

SummaryIntroduced mammalian predators have been implicated in the majority of avian extinctions on oceanic islands around the globe. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the decimated New Zealand avifauna, where introduced predators remain the primary threat to virtually all surviving endemic species, including the threatened New Zealand Falcon Falco novaeseelandiae. We used remote videography at falcon nests and conducted an artificial nest experiment to compare the rates of predation and responsible predators of falcons nesting in hills against those nesting in nearby commercial vineyards. Overall, 63% of artificial nests in the hills were predated, compared with 38% in vineyards. Further, artificial eggs were predated faster in the hills than those placed in vineyards. Video footage revealed that the suite of predators visiting real falcon nests was similar to those identified attacking artificial nests. However, predators differed across habitats, with nests in vineyards being predated mainly by hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus and Australasian Harriers Circus approximans, whereas nests in the hill environments were mainly attacked by stoats Mustela erminea. These results demonstrate the important implications of habitat type on predation pressure associated with introduced predators. These may well prove a fruitful avenue of management if breeding can be fostered in safer areas, as in the case of this threatened falcon.

scholarly journals Understanding the distribution of introduced mammalian predators in an urban environment using monitoring tools and community trapping

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Cherie Balls
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Urban Environment ◽  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Trap Density ◽  
Predator Control ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Monitoring Devices ◽  
Tracking Tunnels ◽  
Broad Scale

<p>Introduced mammalian predators are one of the largest conservation threats to New Zealand native flora and fauna, and there is an increasing concern about their presence in urban environments, coupled with a recognition that cities present a unique opportunity for ecological restoration, due to the availability of a large number of volunteers and options for intensive management of green spaces and gardens. Predator control is an essential step towards the ecological restoration of urban environments, however, it requires an understanding of the factors influencing the distribution of these mammalian predators before successful control operations can be implemented. Few studies have investigated mammalian predators in urban environments, and there is little certainty about what drives their distribution in these environments. This thesis used simple mammal monitoring techniques and trapping data to investigate the distribution of mammalian predators within broad scale urban environments, with the aim of identifying drivers of their distribution.  Chew cards and tracking tunnels collected across three New Zealand cities were assessed for their efficacy as accurate monitoring devices in urban environments. In Chapter 2, monitoring devices were cross-checked between observers to assess the level of consistency in interpretation of chew and tracking marks. The consistency of chew card and tracking tunnel identifications was relatively high overall and were not substantially influenced by the city of identification, or the duration of card exposures. Monitoring devices were also assessed for their change in sensitivity between one and six-night exposures. Both devices were effective at detecting rats, however, tracking tunnels showed greater sensitivity and consistency in detecting mice and hedgehogs, whereas chew cards were better suited to the monitoring of possums. Neither device was particularly effective at detecting mustelids or cats.  In Chapter 3, mammalian predators were monitored across 24 monitoring lines in autumn, 2018, and results were compiled with spring 2017 and autumn 2018 data, pre-collected in two other cities, following the same procedures. There were distinct differences in the broad-scale habitat utilisation of rats, mice, hedgehogs, with possums being the only species to show a strong preference for urban forests. Only two of the tested microhabitat variables had an influence on species distributions. Detection of rats declined with increasing distance to the coast, and the increase in human population size was related to a significant increase in hedgehogs. There was a strong seasonal difference on the influence of local trap density and the detection of mammals. The increase in trap density within 25-50m radii was significantly related to a decrease in rat and hedgehog detections. Overall, there are substantial differences between the distributions of species in an urban environment.  Trapping is one of the main methods of predator control in New Zealand, and is already widespread within urban and suburban Wellington. In Chapter 4, I compiled trap data from 22 community trapping groups operating in residential and reserve areas in Wellington City. Residential groups (“backyard trappers”) used a high proportion of Victor and various rat and mouse traps, which was strongly linked to their high number of rat and mouse catches. Groups trapping in reserves used a high proportion of DOC 200, Victor and A24 traps, however, fewer hedgehogs were caught compared to residential areas. Catches were significantly influenced by various landscape variables. An increased distance of traps to streams led to significantly higher catches of rats, conversely, proximity to streams resulted in significantly higher catches of mice and hedgehogs. Although few catches of weasels were reported, traps closer to the coast and to forest fragments caught significantly more individuals.  The research in this thesis contributes to the small body of research conducted on mammalian predators within urban environments. The findings in this thesis can assist with the current and future predator management programmes, by highlighting areas of potential significance, particularly in Wellington.</p>

Small mustelids in New Zealand: invasion ecology in a different world

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn M. King ◽  
Grant Norbury ◽  
Andrew J. Veale
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Population Biology ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Invasive Predators ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Size Population ◽  
Mustela Furo ◽  
Predatory Impact ◽  
Small Mustelids

This chapter reviews the ecology of the three species of small mustelids introduced into New Zealand: the ferret (Mustela furo), the stoat (M. erminea) and the weasel (M. nivalis), for biological control of rabbits. New Zealand offers a mosaic of environments totally different from those in which the three species evolved, including a diminishing array of endemic fauna especially vulnerable to mammalian predators. Mustelids in New Zealand display significant adaptive flexibility in diet, habitat selection, co-existence, dispersal, body size, population biology and predatory impact, with results contrasting with those observable in their northern-hemisphere ancestors. These evolutionary and ecological responses by mustelids to new opportunities are of considerable interest to evolutionary ecologists, especially those interested in competition and predator-prey relationships. Likewise, the need to protect New Zealand’s native fauna has stimulated extensive research on alternative options for mitigating the effects of invasive predators, applicable to pest management problems in other countries.

A Comparative Study of the State of Ethics in Youth Work Practice in Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cleopatra Monique Parkins
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Youth Work ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Ethical Practices ◽  
The United Kingdom

Even though youth work has played a critical role in fostering the holistic development of today’s youth, much controversy has surrounded the practice. Nevertheless, youth workers are slowly being accorded professional status, and a code of ethics has been developed in some jurisdictions. Some states are still to adopt this code; consequently the credibility of youth workers and the sector in general sway with the wind. This article presents a comparative analysis of ethical practices of youth work in Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, examining current trends in observing ethics and addressing ethical issues. In the case of Jamaica, the researcher used the non-probability convenience sampling technique and collected primary data from a questionnaire administered to a sample of youth workers. The perspective of the ministerial arm responsible for youth work in Jamaica was also captured through an interview. In the case of Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the framework of the profession and specifically matters pertaining to ethical practices were examined through the use of secondary data sources, which included reports on youth work practices in the selected countries. A mixed methodology was employed in analysing the data collected. The major findings of this study confirmed that advancing youth work as a profession is dependent on the acceptance and integration of a formal code of ethics, that youth workers must receive training on ethics and that a national youth work policy is important to guide youth work practice. In accordance with the findings, the researcher makes a number of recommendations and highlights notable best practices that may help with the overall professionalisation of the sector.

scholarly journals The Effect of Blue-Green Infrastructure on Habitat Connectivity and Biodiversity: A Case Study in the Ōtākaro/Avon River Catchment in Christchurch, New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6732
Author(s):  
Thuy Thi Nguyen ◽  
Colin Meurk ◽  
Rubianca Benavidez ◽  
Bethanna Jackson ◽  
Markus Pahlow
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Habitat Connectivity ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Environmental Evaluation ◽  
Representative Species ◽  
The Matrix

The natural capital components in cities (“blue-green infrastructure” BGI) are designed to address long-term sustainability and create multi-benefits for society, culture, business, and ecology. We investigated the added value of BGI through the research question “Can the implementation of blue-green infrastructure lead to an improvement of habitat connectivity and biodiversity in urban environments?” To answer this, the Biological and Environmental Evaluation Tools for Landscape Ecology (BEETLE) within the Land Utilisation and Capability Indicator (LUCI) framework was adopted and applied in Christchurch, New Zealand, for the first time. Three ecologically representative species were selected. The parameterisation was based on ecological theory and expert judgment. By implementation of BGI, the percentages of habitats of interest for kereru and paradise shelduck increased by 3.3% and 2.5%, respectively. This leads to improved habitat connectivity. We suggest several opportunities for regenerating more native patches around the catchment to achieve the recommended minimum 10% target of indigenous cover. However, BGI alone cannot return a full suite of threatened wildlife to the city without predator-fenced breeding sanctuaries and wider pest control across the matrix. The socio-eco-spatial connectivity analysed in this study was formalised in terms of four interacting dimensions.

V.—Oceanic Islands

1881 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-77
Author(s):  
T. Meelard Reade
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Oceanic Islands ◽  
Oceanic Island ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Great Support ◽  
The Right ◽  
Tertiary Period

The Pacific and Atlantic Oceans far from the continental masses of land are studded with islands, which from their being solely volcanic and of an age going back no further than the Tertiary period, are considered to lend great support to the hypothesis of the permanence of the great oceans and continents. Those who hold these views question the right of New Zealand to be considered a truly oceanic island, though on what grounds has never been quite intelligible to me. Waiving this objection for the purpose of argumeat, I propose to discuss the bearings of the facts, as formulated by those who believe in the “approximate” immutability of land and sea.

scholarly journals Motivating Information Technology Professionals: The case of New Zealand

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoaib Ahmed ◽  
Nazim Taskin ◽  
David J. Pauleen ◽  
Jane Parker
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
It Professionals ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
The Impact

IT professionals play a critical role in organizations. Research indicates that they may be unique in their attitudes toward motivation and job satisfaction. In New Zealand, a shortage of skilled professionals may contribute to or impact on motivation. Using a modified model of Herzberg’s two-factor theory by Smerek and Peterson (2007), this research seeks to answer the question: what motivates New Zealand IT professionals? In response, an online questionnaire was distributed to a population of New Zealand IT professionals and the data analysed using Partial Least Squares to understand the relationship between the various dimensions of job satisfaction, the impact of personal and job characteristics, and turnover intention. The findings show that the New Zealand IT professional is primarily motivated by the nature of his or her work, followed by perceptions of responsibility, and how supervisors encourage an environment for such. Satisfaction with salary is a predictor to a lesser degree. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, professional growth opportunities, career advancement, and recognition do not have a statistically-significant positive association with motivation. We conclude that, to motivate their IT workforce, organizations should: 1) focus on the nature of the jobs that IT professionals undertake; 2) train supervisors to provide an empowering environment; 3) offer competitive salaries to retain top talent; 4) not hesitate to employ IT professionals born outside New Zealand; and 5) take account of the singularities of the New Zealand labour market in seeking to attract, recruit and retain IT professionals. Implications for policy, practice and theory are discussed.

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