New Zealand’s wildlife evolved without having to worry about land-based predators. The defence tactics they use are all to avoid being eaten by birds stalking from above. So when rats, mice, stoats and ferrets arrived in Aotearoa, they had a dramatic effect on our birds and other wildlife. Our birds, many of which nest on the ground, and some which are flightless, were no match for these predators. 

We’ve lost about 70 per cent of our forests and 90 per cent of our wetlands to make way for towns, cities and farmland. This means that there are fewer places for birds to live and find food.

How you can help:

• Trap introduced predators such as rats, ferrets and hedgehogs in your backyard

• Plant trees and wetland plants to increase habitat

• Join one of the many groups involved in trapping and restoration

• Keep your cats indoors at night to stop them eating vulnerable eggs and chicks

• Keep your dog on a lead, and don’t take your dog near where birds are nesting during spring and summer

• Don’t drive on beaches, or if you must, stick to the main path to avoid crushing nests and alarming birds

• Reduce your carbon footprint. Many of these birds are already suffering from habitat loss and this is likely to get worse with climate change.

• Our staff and community members are out and about in Wairarapa Moana regularly controlling plant and animal pests

• We work with farmers to fence off and control weeds in wetlands and other areas of high biodiversity value to increase habitat for native birds.