Pest animal information sheets

Eradication pest animals

‘Eradication pest animals’ are of limited distribution or density and the objective is total eradication. Just one animal is so categorised in Taranaki.

Containment pest animals

‘Containment pest animals’ are abundant where the habitat is suitable. Land owners may be obliged to take measures to control numbers and prevent the species spreading to neighbouring properties or new areas.

Surveillance pest animals

Control of 'surveillance pest animals' is voluntary, but the Council monitors the levels of these pests and may undertake direct control as appropriate. Advice and information on the control of these species are available from the Council. Besides the animals listed below, four species of fish are also classed as surveillance pest animals: Brown bull-headed catfish, koi carp, mosquitofish and rudd.

Other pest animals

The Council provides advice on the control of other unwanted animals, such as rats, wasps and bees, which are the responsibility of the property owner. As time and resources allow, the Council will carry out small-scale control programmes where there are public health or safety issues, especially if there is a risk to school children.
Another unwanted species is the rainbow lorikeet, which competes with native birds by dominating food sources and nesting sites. They can also damage fruit crops.

Possum control