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New Zealand has a "Predator Free 2050" program to eliminate all non-native predators by 2050 because they are threatening New Zealand's bird species. https://e

New Zealand has a "Predator Free 2050" program to eliminate all non-native predators by 2050 because they are threatening New Zealand's bird species. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predator_Free_2050 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predator_Free_2050 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48702762 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48702762

raverbashing 5y ago
Well this has a non-zero chance of turning into "Unchecked prey 2050" in reality.
- crooked-v 5y ago
  The program is specifically about non-native predators, not all predators.
  - raverbashing 5y ago
    You're assuming NZ has significant native predators. But it doesn't have any major native mammalian predator. https://www.nznatureguy.com/2019/04/10/new-zealands-big-3-predators-stoats-rats-possums/ https://www.nznatureguy.com/2019/04/10/new-zealands-big-3-pr... One interesting "proof" of it is the Kiwi bird existing, because it could have not existed with competent predators.
    - dmos62 5y ago
      If you don't have a native predator then you don't have a native prey either. Need a predator for there to be a prey.
kragen 5y ago
> eliminate all non-native predators Does this include Māori too or only pakeha?
funwares 5y ago
Although a much smaller feat, New Zealand was very successful in eradicating an estimated 200.000 mice from Antipodes Island without affecting native animals populations [1] There is an interesting video about the preparatory research leading up to this highly successful pest eradication [2] Very curious to see how well the Predator Free 2050 program will turn out. [1] https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/eradicating-mice-from-antipodes-island/ https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/eradicating-mice-from-antip... [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVcqLblOHCM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVcqLblOHCM
- xyzzy123 5y ago
  Will be interesting to see how well this works given the political impossibility of eradicating cats.

raverbashing 5y ago

Well this has a non-zero chance of turning into "Unchecked prey 2050" in reality.

crooked-v 5y ago
The program is specifically about non-native predators, not all predators.
- raverbashing 5y ago
  You're assuming NZ has significant native predators. But it doesn't have any major native mammalian predator. https://www.nznatureguy.com/2019/04/10/new-zealands-big-3-predators-stoats-rats-possums/ https://www.nznatureguy.com/2019/04/10/new-zealands-big-3-pr... One interesting "proof" of it is the Kiwi bird existing, because it could have not existed with competent predators.
  - dmos62 5y ago
    If you don't have a native predator then you don't have a native prey either. Need a predator for there to be a prey.

kragen 5y ago

> eliminate all non-native predators Does this include Māori too or only pakeha?

funwares 5y ago

Although a much smaller feat, New Zealand was very successful in eradicating an estimated 200.000 mice from Antipodes Island without affecting native animals populations [1] There is an interesting video about the preparatory research leading up to this highly successful pest eradication [2] Very curious to see how well the Predator Free 2050 program will turn out. [1] https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/eradicating-mice-from-antipodes-island/ https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/eradicating-mice-from-antip... [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVcqLblOHCM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVcqLblOHCM

xyzzy123 5y ago
Will be interesting to see how well this works given the political impossibility of eradicating cats.