Annual Report 2023
As Predator Free Dunedin completes its fifth year of contributing to the national goal of eradicating possums, stoats and rats by 2050, we have good reason to celebrate the significant biodiversity achievements which have resulted from the collaboration between our community and our three Delivery Partners, the Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group, Halo Project and City Sanctuary.
The results being delivered are tangible and audible. We are consistently reminded of how our mahi is benefitting our local environment with reports of increases in numbers of tūī, kererū, pīwakawaka and riroriro in our local communities.
Within the outer three sectors of the Otago Peninsula, operations are focused on mopping up the remaining few possums. The use of thermal drones and scat dogs are being used as tools to provide confidence that the elimination targets are being met.
The City Sanctuary team, amongst other things, have worked to create a ‘buffer zone’ which will support the elimination efforts on the Peninsula and prevent the re-invasion of possums.
The Halo Project is trialing an AI-based tool (FTP) which integrates with AT220 traps and enables significant transfer of live data and images, helping inform the elimination efforts and substantially reducing the ongoing resourcing required for surveillance and maintenance.
At the governance level, Predator Free Dunedin has been working with Delivery Partners to ensure that the skills learned by the staff and volunteers are transferable to other Delivery Partners.
The Board is mindful of some of the challenges ahead, with funding for Predator Free 2050 only guaranteed until 2025. While we are hopeful the new Government remains committed to the kaupapa in the predator-free space, we are also focusing on additional funding opportunities.
These will enhance our current activities as well as improving engagement with our community, including the business community.
Ko te pae Tawhiti whāia
kia tata, ko te pae tata
whakamaua kia tina.
Seek out distant horizons, and cherish those you attain.
Sally Peart - Chair, Predator Free Dunedin
