Otago Peninsula Declared Possum-Free: A Milestone in Conservation

The Otago Peninsula has officially been declared possum-free, marking a significant achievement in New Zealand's conservation efforts. This milestone follows over 15 years of dedicated work by the Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group (OPBG) and Predator Free Dunedin (PFD). The initiative has transformed the peninsula into one of the first inhabited landscape-scale areas in New Zealand to eliminate possums, reinforcing Dunedin's reputation as the wildlife capital of the country.

Otago Daily Times

The journey began in 2009 when community members, landowners, and volunteers initiated possum control efforts. Through the establishment of trap networks and consistent monitoring, they successfully reduced possum populations, ultimately leading to their complete eradication. Sally Peart, chairwoman of Predator Free Dunedin, emphasized the collaborative nature of this achievement, stating, "It proves we can remove possums from a large, lived-in landscape when communities and landowners, mana whenua, councils and national partners pull in the same direction."

Otago Daily Times

The final phase of the possum elimination involved advanced techniques, including dense camera networks, thermal drone surveillance, and the use of scat detection dogs. These methods were crucial in locating the last remaining possums in challenging terrains such as steep gullies and coastal cliffs. Rhys Millar, project leader for PFD, noted the technical challenges faced during this phase, highlighting the importance of community involvement: "Every person who checked a trap, allowed access to their land or reported a sighting has helped make this possible."

Otago Daily Times

The project covered a total area of 9,200 hectares and engaged over 500 volunteers, resulting in the capture of more than 26,000 possums. The collaborative effort between various stakeholders, including the Department of Conservation, Otago Regional Council, and individual donors, was instrumental in achieving this goal.

Otago Daily Times

Despite the successful elimination of possums, OPBG and PFD have stressed that the work is not yet complete. Residents and visitors are urged to report any possum sightings immediately to help maintain the peninsula's newfound status. Hoani Langsbury, chairman of OPBG, remarked, "Technology helps us cover a lot of ground, but it’s local people who notice changes first."

Otago Daily Times

The commitment to preserving the ecological balance on the Otago Peninsula will require continued vigilance and community engagement. The success of this initiative serves as a model for similar conservation efforts across New Zealand and beyond, demonstrating the power of collective action in environmental stewardship.

Otago Daily Times

• "It proves we can remove possums from a large, lived-in landscape when communities and landowners, mana whenua, councils and national partners pull in the same direction." — Sally Peart, Chairwoman of Predator Free Dunedin

Otago Daily Times

• "Every person who checked a trap, allowed access to their land or reported a sighting has helped make this possible." — Rhys Millar, Project Leader, Predator Free Dunedin

Otago Daily Times

• "If you think you’ve seen a possum or signs of one, please let us know straight away — every report helps protect what we’ve achieved." — Hoani Langsbury, Chairman of Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group

Otago Daily Times