New Zealand is waging a war of extermination against rats, stoats and possums and expects to wipe-out these invasive species by 2050.
And why this extreme measure? New Zealand wants to protect its native bird species, including its iconic kiwi birds, some 25 million of which are killed by these ravenous mammalian predators each year.
This goal of "Predator-Free New Zealand" was announced July 25 by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key who explained that rats, possums and stoats (also known as the short-tailed weasel) aren't native to New Zealand.
"While once the greatest threat to our native wildlife was poaching and deforestation, it is now introduced predators," said Key.
Apart from killing tens of millions of birds, these invasive species cost New Zealand over $2.3 billion per year, said the government's estimates. Rats, stoats and possums can also carry diseases.
Keys noted that eliminating all invasive predators is "the most ambitious conservation project attempted anywhere in the world." He said the government believes that if New Zealanders all work together as a country, this goal can be achieved.
Funding for this ambitious project will come from the federal government, local governments and the private sector. The federal government will contribute $20 million apart from the tens of millions already spent on pest control each year.
Some are optimistic the goal might be achieved in 25 years. They admit the project is doable and won't be that difficult but the public has to get behind it to ensure the project's success.
Rats have already been exterminated on some of New Zealand's smaller islands. The conservation effort has saved some species of birds from extinction.
Stoats were introduced in New Zealand in the late 19th century to control rabbits and hares. Possums, more specifically the Australian possum, were brought to New Zealand in an effort to start a trade in their furs.