In 2022, wallaby scat found across numerous Flagstaff locations sent alarm bells ringing that the scourge of Waimate had trekked south and started breeding and living in Dunedin’s outskirts.
The Otago Regional Council said in a statement yesterday it would be starting an operation aiming to eradicate the Australian pest from the area.
Project delivery specialist Gavin Udy said previous monitoring showed wallabies were in the area and they had a major impact on New Zealand’s primary industry and native biodiversity.
"Otago has a chance of eliminating this pest as they are still in relatively low numbers here."
The council had contracted High Country Contracting to begin eradication from the Leith Valley, through to Silverstream and up to Waitati this month.
They would be working with City Forests.
Indicator dogs, thermally equipped drones and trail cameras would be used to detect wallabies and gather information, Mr Udy said.
Wallabies would be shot or poisoned depending on the area.
No work would occur on properties where landowners have not given permission.
"This approach and the ability to implement appropriate and effective control measures will determine whether the operation is successful.
"Public co-operation and awareness will also be essential for ensuring on-the-ground efforts are effective, and the public are encouraged to report any wallaby seen."
The programme is expected to cost about $115,000 and has been funded by the Tipu Mātoro National Wallaby Eradication Programme.
"The total cost of the operation will be significantly influenced by how many wallaby are found and how widespread they are, and the time, cost, complexity and effectiveness of the control methods," Mr Udy said.
The programme is estimated to take 12 months.
Wallabies were introduced in the late 1800s for hunting purposes, private zoos and to provide a steady stream of fur, according to the Ministry of Primary Industries.
