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PETITION FOR FERETS QLD. PARLIAMENT

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Subject: PETITION FOR FERETS QLD. PARLIAMENT
From: Tony Crocker <>
Date: Fri, 26 Nov 2004 11:29:01 +1300
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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