Major wins for Predator Free Dunedin community

Rhys Millar — Project Lead, Predator Free Dunedin

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, our three delivery partners, 22 member organisations and hundreds of volunteers are working hard to protect native biodiversity and strengthen communities across Ōtepoti.

Together, we have removed more than 45,000 possums, over 3,000 rats and more than 600 mustelids (stoats, ferrets and weasels). Although these numbers are important, it is the increase in native taoka species we are most excited about.

Rifleman/tītipounamu and South Island robin/kakurawai have been seen in the city, New Zealand falcon/kārearea are often seen flying over North East Valley and taoka species from Orokonui Ecosanctuary such as the South Island robin and kākā are expanding to find safe haven beyond the fence.

This year saw major wins for biodiversity. This year, Dunedin recorded the greatest number of kererū per capita (27 kererū per 1,000 residents) during the Great Kererū Count. Photo by Tony Stoddard.

This mahi also benefits communities. Our collective goal for a Predator Free Dunedin is bringing people together, creating resilient, healthy, and more cohesive communities. People are getting out into nature and working together. In such uncertain times, these connections are more important than ever.

Many of our wins come from the immense efforts of Predator Free Dunedin's delivery partners.

The Halo Project now has mustelid traps across 12,500 hectares and a possum traps are being rolled out to build on the gains made by OSPRI. City Sanctuary has more than 1,200 traps on the ground in backyards and reserves across the city and continue to work with a diverse range of communities — including students in North Dunedin. Predator Free Peninsula continues to make excellent progress towards eradicating possums on the Otago Peninsula, with more than 25,000 possums removed and wildlife bouncing back.

We have also been working on an exciting plan to further our impact. Thanks to funding made available by Predator Free 2050 Limited, we are accelerating and expanding our operations to further protect the wildlife capital of Aotearoa.

None of this would be possible without support from our key funders — Predator Free 2050 Limited, Dunedin City Council and Otago Regional Council. We are truly grateful for their contribution, along with the mahi from our incredible community. To everyone who has been involved, no matter how big or small — ngā mihi nui ki a koe.