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Story: Rabbits

Ferret

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Ferret

Ferrets spread through most of New Zealand after they were released in the mid-1870s. Like stoats, they have had a disastrous effect on native bird life. To make matters worse, mustelids (ferrets, stoats and weasels) have had little success in controlling rabbits.

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Landcare Research – Manaaki Whenua

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How to cite this page

Robert Peden, Rabbits – Using predators for control, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/15265/ferret (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by Robert Peden, published 1 March 2009.