Threats
Our treasured species, which in some cases are unique to the Nelson region, are under threat from habitat loss and introduced pests. Nelson Nature is working to support, enhance and protect these plants and animals so they can survive in a healthy, vibrant natural ecosystem.
Nelson City and Tasman District Councils recently produced a free booklet "Pests: Everyone's Responsibility" (3MB PDF) which identifies all the animal and plant pests listed in the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan.
Introduced pest predators threatening our native animals are:
For information on predator pest control visit Predator Free New Zealand
Introduced plant pests threatening our native habitats are:
- Old man’s beard
- Banana passionfruit
- Wilding conifers
- Spanish heath
- Gorse and Broom
- Climbing Asparagus
For information on weed identification and control visit weedbusters.org.nz.
What is Council doing?
Council is supporting pest control through education and information, community group support and targetted pest control programmes:
- Volunteer pest control groups
- Council'sForestry Strategy
- Top of the South Pest Trapping Workshop
What can you do?
- Join or start a volunteer weed or pest control group
- Take responsibility for keeping your property free of rats, stoats, hedgehogs and invasive weeds like old man's beard and climbing asparagus
- Work with your neighbours to create a pest and weed-free street or area
- Keep domestic cats indoors, and keep dogs on a lead around native birds