Story: Introduced animal pests
Mustelids (left to right: weasel, ferret and stoat) were introduced to New Zealand in the 1870s and 1880s to control rabbits. However, all three have become pests in their own right. By far the worst, in terms of their predations on native species, are stoats, followed by ferrets. Weasels are thought to have been less successful in adapting to New Zealand conditions.
About this item
Department of Conservation
Reference: 10035327
Photograph by D. Garrick
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