Integrating the management of introduced mammal pests of conservation values in New Zealand

Abstract

Thirty-one species of mammals have established wild populations in New Zealand since humans arrived ca 1,000 years ago. Some are implicated in the extinction among the native biota, many are still causing changes to native ecosystems, and a few cause significant economic losses. This paper summarises the general nature of pest problems and the current framework for managing pests of conservation values in New Zealand. In then discusses some options to better integrate within and between the policy, strategic and tactical levels of the management framework. Appropriate integration will improve outcomes when dealing with pest species affecting many different conservation resources.