Animals
We have many programmes relating introduced animals (pest vertebrates and invertebrates, biological control agents), including the impact and control of animal diseases such as bovine Tb, Johnes disease and avian malaria.
Research covers above– and below–ground ecology including multi–species interactions and impacts; risk assessments and management strategies; pest control technologies; biological control programmes against weeds; and biosystematics. Biosystematics research includes managing nationally significant biological collections and databases.
Research
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Biological control of possums
Research is being conducted to develop biological control of possum fertility, which will provide possum management agencies with a wider range of control options. -
Ecology of multiple interacting mammal pests
Protection of native wildlife is limited by incomplete knowledge of interactions among suites of mammal pests; our research aims to develop an understanding of key interactions among multiple pests threatening flora and fauna, and provide a system that supports the application of this knowledge to conservation management. -
Ferret and Stoat Research
This site provides an overview of recent or ongoing research on ferrets and stoats with a particular focus on work undertaken by Landcare Research scientists. -
Invasive invertebrates
Looking at risks to natural ecosystems posed by invasive ant species established in New Zealand, developing strategies to control wasps and ants, and other invaders that might breach our borders. -
Management of multiple species of pests
Protection of critically threatened native animals and environments requires the control of multiple introduced animal pests. -
New and improved baits, toxins, traps and delivery systems
Vertebrate pest management is a critical component of many New Zealand conservation efforts and relies on the development of both new and improved baits and toxins. -
Spatial Ecology
Our research aims to develop new and generic approaches to population mapping and spatial modelling that may be applied across a range of mammal pests to dramatically increase the effectiveness of control. Newsletter now available (August 2008). -
Wildlife diseases and disease threats to humans
Animal pests and associated diseases threaten New Zealand’s native and productive environments: our research aims to develop a greater understanding of the transmission and behaviour of these diseases in their hosts so that we provide improved control or eradication strategies.