Frequently asked questions
What predators are you targeting?
Possums are the main predator species we’re targeting. Rats and mustelids (stoats ferrets and weasels) are also highly destructive to native birds and plants so we’re aiming to reduce their numbers. Other species such as mice and hedgehogs are also trapped.
For millions of years, our native wildlife evolved without the threat of ground-based mammal predators. This means they are vulnerable to predation and unable to defend themselves.
New Zealand has one of the highest extinction rates of native species in the world. Since predators arrived in our country, they have pushed our native wildlife to the brink of extinction — killing millions of native birds, lizards, and insects every year. Today, more than 4,000 of our native species are classified as threatened or at risk of extinction.
Why are you targeting possums?
Reducing possums to low levels across Dunedin city is our current focus. This is to help the other Predator Free Dunedin projects achieve their operational goals: eradicating possums off the Otago Peninsula and keeping possums at very low levels in Dunedin’s hills and western harbour. City Sanctuary borders these other projects and possums will easily reinvade these landscapes unless we keep them at low levels.
Are you targeting cats?
No, we are not targeting cats. All our traps are set and baited with pet safety in mind.
However, we do recognise the impact cats can have on native birds, lizards and insects. We strongly encourage people to be responsible cat owners. This means getting your cat de-sexed and micro-chipped, and limiting the number of cats you own. You can also keep your cats inside from dusk until dawn as this is when they are most likely to hunt native species. This has the added benefits of keeping your cat safe by reducing their chances of getting into a fight.
Are you using toxins or 1080?
No, we are not using 1080, poisons or any toxins in this project.
For information about predator control operations in the wider Dunedin area, please see Dunedin City Council's list of current predator control operations.
Are you using leg hold traps?
No, we aren’t using any leg hold traps, gin traps, or other jaw-style restraining traps in this project.
If you find a leg hold trap in a public area, please report it to the Dunedin City Council.
Why aren’t you trapping in my suburb?
We are moving across Dunedin in a planned way to ensure our trapping networks are robust and will have a long-term impact on keeping predator species at low levels. We are concentrating on areas of optimal possum habitat where we know possums are likely to be living or moving through.
You can find out when we’ll be offering backyard traps in your area on our project page.
How big is your operating area?
Our project area includes 8,349 hectares extending from North East Valley to South Dunedin, along to Brighton and up to Chain Hills. This area includes more than 32,000 rat paying properties.
What is the vision for City Sanctuary?
Our vision is to create a sanctuary in Dunedin where wildlife and people flourish together, by leading predator control in backyards and reserves across the city.
Who is involved with the project?
City Sanctuary is one of three Predator Free Dunedin projects and is being delivered by Dunedin City Council. Our work is connecting the large-scale predator control projects run by Predator Free Peninsula and The Halo Project.
City Sanctuary staff report to a steering committee comprised of representatives from Predator Free Dunedin, Dunedin City Council and the Department of Conservation. We receive funding from Predator Free Dunedin, Otago Regional Council, Dunedin City Council, Predator Free 2050 Limited, and other sources.
