Key Takeaways:
- The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has killed or contained over 2000 wallabies as part of its pest control program in 2024/25.
- Wallabies are a significant threat to New Zealand’s biodiversity and economy, causing millions of dollars in lost farm production and environmental benefits.
- The Department of Conservation and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council are working together to reduce the spread of wallabies and ultimately achieve eradication.
- The Central North Island containment area for wallabies covers approximately 260,000 hectares, making it a challenging task to eradicate the species.
- The regional council is also managing other animal pest issues, including rabbits, stoats, and possums, with landowners responsible for controlling containment species.
Introduction to the Wallaby Problem
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has made significant progress in its efforts to control the wallaby population in the region. In the 2024/25 year, the council killed or contained over 2000 wallabies as part of its pest control program. Wallabies were first introduced to New Zealand from Australia in the late 1800s for hunting, private zoos, and for the value of their skin. However, without a natural predator, they have adapted to the New Zealand environment and are now estimated to number over 1 million in the wild. Despite their cute and cuddly appearance, wallabies pose a significant threat to New Zealand’s biodiversity and economy.
The Impact of Wallabies on the Environment
According to Department of Conservation Rotorua operations manager Zane Jensen, wallabies "eat everything within their reach in our native bush, including the seedlings that make up future forests." This destruction of forest regeneration and productive farmland has a massive financial cost, with wallabies costing New Zealanders millions of dollars in lost farm production and lost environmental benefits. The Department of Conservation is working alongside numerous entities, including the Tipu Mātoro National Wallaby Eradication Programme, to reduce the spread of wallabies and ultimately achieve eradication. The Government has also committed $1 million over two years to aid efforts.
The Eradication Efforts
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is responsible for pest control in the region and is part of the eradication program. In June, the regional council changed its Regional Pest Management Plan to contain all wallaby species known to be present in the region as an eradication or progressive containment species. The Central North Island wallaby containment area uses natural features such as rivers, steep gorges, and lakes to form its barriers, with a surrounding buffer zone in place where operational work takes place. Wallaby populations inside the containment area are targeted from the outside in, with the hope of full eradication. However, the task is not simple, with the Central North Island containment area covering approximately 260,000 hectares, roughly the same size as the country of Luxembourg.
Challenges and Progress
Despite the challenges, the regional council has made progress in its eradication efforts. In the 2024-25 year, the council eradicated 15 wallabies and contained a further 1988, preventing them from spreading outside the containment zone. Contractors, with wallaby indicator dogs and trail cameras, locate and determine the extent of wallaby populations. Where wallaby populations exist outside of the containment area, the council works with landowners to plan and deliver wallaby control. The aim is to reduce wallaby numbers and prevent spread outside containment. Night shooting is also undertaken within the containment area at strategic locations to reduce wallaby numbers.
Other Animal Pest Issues
Wallabies are not the only animal pest issue in the region. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council manages exclusion and eradication pests, such as wallabies and goats, while landowners handle containment species. The regional council received 147 public inquiries for other animal pests in the year to June 30, including rabbits, stoats, and possums. These pests are considered advisory threats as they are already well-established. The regional council can assist with control advice, but responsibility lies with the landowners or occupiers. Nearly 1000 feral goats have also been processed this year, with eight eradicated and 960 contained, as part of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Feral Goat Programme.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s efforts to control the wallaby population are ongoing, with significant progress made in the 2024/25 year. However, the task is challenging, and it will require continued effort and cooperation from landowners, the Department of Conservation, and the regional council to ultimately achieve eradication. The impact of wallabies on the environment and economy cannot be overstated, and it is essential that efforts to control their population continue. With the support of the Government and the commitment of the regional council, it is possible to make a significant dent in the wallaby population and protect New Zealand’s biodiversity and economy.