The impact of domestic animals on urban wildlife: eradication or damage control

Dick Veitch

Abstract

Urban, rural and island environment in New Zealand are considered from the viewpoint of eradication or control of introduced animals. Examples of animal control in mainland rural areas are given and some principles of animal control discussed. Most of the control methods used on islands and in rural areas are not appropriate for urban areas although the principles of the operating methods remain true.

About the author

Dick Veith
Department of Conservation
Private Bag 68-908
Newton, Auckland,BR> New Zealand

Dick Veitch has been involved in wildlife conservation and ecological restoration work in New Zealand for more than 30 years with occasional additional experience on Pacific and Indian Ocean islands, in Australia, the USA and Great Britain. Early species rehabilitation work was made possible by the natural regeneration of ecosystems following fire but this was followed by the removal from islands of the larger introduced mammals. More recent technological advances are now assisting with the removal of small rodents and introduction of a wide variety of species to islands.Techniques developed on the islands are proving useful for managment of habitat 'islands' on mainland New Zeland. Dick is now responsible for wild animal control and ecological restoration of island and mainland reserves in the Auckland Conservancy of the Department of Conservation.

Back to Urban Animal Management Conference Index

Back to Petnet