Pest Animals

Pest animals is a category that includes introduced animals, birds, fish and insects. If you need further information on any of these pest animals:
Contact Tasman District Council Biosecurity Team

The Regional Pest Management Strategy provides a framework for efficient and effective pest management in the Tasman-Nelson region.
Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Strategy(RPMS)

Pest Insects

Like introduced birds, many introduced insects are widespread and have become well established. Some, like honey bees, have provided a benefits like honey and pollination services to a range of horticultural and agricultural crops. however, the downside is that there are many weeds that have benefited from pollination by bees and spread much more quickly. The impact of other insects has been largely negative, particularly the social insects such as wasps and ants that have the potential to dramatically change local ecosystems because of the impact from the huge numbers that can build up within a short time.

Argentine and Darwin's Ants

Information on identifying and controlling Argentine and Darwin's Ants

Wasps

Information on identifying and controlling wasps.

Pest Mammals

Animals that are considered a pest to many rural landowners (e.g. pigs, deer) because of the damage they do to native vegetation may be a valuable resource to hunters. Others that may pose a risk to cattle by transmitting Bovine Tb (e.g. possums) can also provide some economic benefits to trappers in accessible areas. Most rural landowners consider animals such as goats, ferrets, stoats and weasels as pests and may trap them to protect native vegetation and native birds. In Tasman District, possums, feral cats, feral rabbits, hares, ferrets, stoats and weasels have been included in the Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS) as Containment pests where control by landowners is needed to reduce their numbers and slow their spread to adjoining properties and to other parts of the region.

Pest Birds

Most introduced birds are widespread and have become well established. However, there is concern about the impact on horticultural crops posed by birds such as rooks that have not yet become established. For this reason, they have been included in the Tasman-Nelson RPMS and rural landowners undertake an active surveillance campaign to spot any rooks. At this stage, there are no known rookeries in the district. Further information on rooks and magpies can be found in the Regional Pest Management Strategy (see link above)

Pest Fish

Introduced fish such as trout and salmon provide recreational benefits to many anglers and are the basis of many a fine meal. There are other introduced freshwater fish such as koi carp, perch, rudd, and tench that could provide some sporting benefit to fisherman, but this would be outweighed by their impact on waterbodies. Within Tasman District, the Department of Conservation have undertaken an active campaign against them and other fish such as Gambusia. For this reason, they have been included in the Regional Pest Management Strategy. Further information on pest fish is contained in the Strategy (see link above).