Revival of forest, resurgence of birdsong after major West Coast pest operation

A Carbon Zero eco-tourism business on the West Coast has seen the forest and birdlife rebound as a result of a major pest control operation in the area.

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours owner Dale Burrows has taken part in various environmental initiatives, including the Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP Predator Free South Westland project.

“What is truly amazing is the impact of the predator-free programme on the forest. It is not just the resurgence of birdsong, but also the revival of the forest itself,” he said.

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Story published in Stuff 20 April 2023

South Westland predator free project ‘most exciting’ in the country

Drones, “toxic rats” and artificial intelligence cameras are among innovative techniques that will allow expansion of the predator-free 2050 zone in deep South Westland.

The West Coast Conservation Board, meeting in Westport last week, was told it is “the most exciting” biodiversity work in the country.

Predator-free South Westland by Zip operations director Duncan Kay outlined some of the methodical advances and the plan to expand the original 100,000-hectare zone behind Whataroa by a further 10,000ha.

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Published by Stuff 3 April 2023