Taranaki Mounga

Like most areas of New Zealand, much of the native biodiversity of Taranaki has been laid to waste by introduced predators like wild goats, weasels, stoats, possums and rats. These pests are not naturally occurring, and the native wildlife evolved without any mechanism for defence against them. Since these pests hunt the native wildlife, eat their food resources, and eggs, meaning that species including the famous Kiwi bird are in danger of becoming extinct, and are already extirpated (locally extinct) in many areas where they used to occur. However, there is hope for these species, as populations are rebounding in areas with extensive pest control.

Check out our video showing you how-to use our Zooniverse project made with local Taranaki students from Omata School.

Also, head to our website or the New Zealand Department of Conservation for more education resources.