Pests
Possums are the country´s worst animal pest of native forests and the principal carrier of bovine Tb, which has an enormous impact on our entire dairy–beef–venison industry. Ferrets also carry bovine Tb, and are serious predators of ground–nesting birds e.g., the rare black stilt. However, stoats and rats pose the greatest threat to native forest species, endangering species such as kiwi, kākā, kākāriki (parakeets) and mōhua (yellowhead).
New Zealand is constantly at risk from accidental introductions of new insect pests and weeds. However the biggest weed threats can be found among the many exotic plants already in the country. Established insect pests are seriously affecting native ecosystems (e.g., German and common wasps have a severe impact in beech forests) and we must be constantly vigilant in detecting other new insects pests.