Hi all
As a Kiwi and sometime resident of Australia, all I can say is that
anything that can be done should be done if it reduces the risk of
ferrets establishing as feral populations. I expect it is only luck that
has stopped that happening before now.
Ferrets are ferocious predators of birds, as well as taking rabbits.
They are widespread throughout most of NZ and, together with stoats and
weasels (together referred to as mustelids, Mustelea spp), do
significant damage to NZ's avifauna. I saw one last season on its way to
a Caspian Tern colony, and they are regularly taken in traps for
predators at a highly significant riverbed (Wrybills, Double-banded
Plovers breeding etc) close to where I live. They are also called,
variously, polecats and fitches, and are much larger than stoats and the
rather tiny but very vicious weasel. They are lovely and very impressive
animals... in Europe, where they belong.
The only significant predator which Australia has but which NZ managed
to avoid is foxes (thank goodness). Every other imported pest has caused
havoc among NZ's birds. Australia most certainly shouldn't be running
the risk of yet another feral menace with a proven track record. Sign
the petition, I'd say, and keep Qld mustelid-free - even if other states
have not woken up to the hazard yet.
Tony
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