Pests not Pets! How are wallabies affecting New Zealand?
Wallabies were first introduced to New Zealand in 1870 for the purpose of sport, hunting and for the value of their skins.
Since then their numbers have increased and they can now be found in Canterbury, Otago and areas of the North Island. However, A Landcare report says they could cover a third of the country in 50 years and cost the economy almost $100 million a year in lost revenue. Their reach is growing and studies have found that they could spread to cover a third of the country if left unchecked.
Why is this a problem? Despite their fluffy, harmless appearance, wallabies are having a catastrophic effect on New Zealand both environmentally and economically.
Wallabies live in the dense native New Zealand bush and like rabbits, they are eating their way through it. Feeding on seedlings and damaging tussock grasslands and young pine trees that native birds and animals rely on for food and shelter.
Who is responsible ?
A recent story from TVNZ highlights their devastating effect on the country and how the team Heliventures and Trap and Trigger are helping to stop it.
Aerial Pest Control & Thermal Imaging





