Hon Maggie Barry
Minister of Conservation
21 July 2017
DOC plans for Auckland Islands predator eradication
The Department of Conservation is progressing plans to eradicate introduced predators on the Auckland Islands in the
Subantarctic, Conservation Minister Maggie Barry says.
A specialist team has been established to develop a feasibility study for the total eradication of pigs, cats and mice
from 50,000 hectare Auckland Island, the largest in the Subantarctic, which lies 465km south of Bluff.
“A successful eradication would be a significant contribution to meeting our Predator Free 2050 target of wiping out
predators on our offshore island nature reserves by 2025,” Ms Barry says.
“This will require careful and thorough planning, and will not be done in a day or even a year. The logistical
difficulties of operating in the Subantarctic cannot be underestimated. It is an extreme environment, at the utmost edge
of New Zealand’s territory.
“That said, if anyone can do it, DOC can – New Zealand is justifiably recognised as a world leader in successfully
eradicated predators from offshore islands. Stephen Horn, the team leader for this effort, project managed the recent
successful Million Dollar Mouse eradication on Antipodes Island, also in the Subantarctic.”
Pigs, cats and mice were introduced to Auckland Island in the early 19thcentury. These pests are responsible for
decimating many species of bird on the island and continue to prey on chicks from species such as the endangered
yellow-eyed penguin.
“Visiting the Auckland Islands in February, I saw first-hand the damage pigs have done to the foliage and habitat for
sea lions as well as bird species like penguins and albatross,” Ms Barry says.
“Feral pigs have wiped out the flightless teal, snipe and rail, as well as all the burrowing seabirds. They have
devastated the vegetation, megaherb fields and insect life, and they continue to harm the yellow-eyed penguin
population.
“The feasibility study will give us a clear set of future options as we look to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site
for future generations.”
DOC intends to publish the feasibility study in February next year.
For more information on the Auckland Island eradication project visithttp://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/eradicating-pigs-and-cats-on-the-auckland-islands/
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