The Otago Peninsula is a wonderland of wildlife, scenery and heritage. Many of the creatures and plants that give Dunedin the reputation of New Zealand’s Wildlife Capital live and breed on the Peninsula or in surrounding waters.

In 2008, a group of keen Peninsula residents formed the Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group (OPBG) with the vision of protecting the area’s biodiversity, lifestyle, and economic values by removing introduced mammalian predators. Since then, the OPBG has grown enormously, with over 100 volunteers undertaking a variety of activities. For a complete history of the project, visit the OPBG History Project 2008-2015. In 2018, a partnership was established between 20 conservation-focussed groups to form the Predator Free Dunedin initiative which connects each corner of Dunedin to achieve a city-wide shared vision of eradicating predators from our incredible Dunedin city.

Since 2011, the OPBG has removed over 24,000 possums from the Otago Peninsula. We are close to elimination, with a handful of elusive possums yet to be caught. This work will be continued alongside detection and protection by Predator Free Dunedin.

Residents have noticed the positive effects of removing these predators by an increase in native birds, rejuvenated native tree canopies, fruit trees and healthy vegetable gardens. This incredible achievement is all thanks to a huge collaborative effort from volunteers, residents, contractors, the OPBG team, and our funders and supporters!

OPBG is shifting away from possum work to focus on rodents, rabbits, and mustelids. In the first instance the work will be undertaken in priority areas based on levels of biodiversity value. Planning for this work will be starting in October alongside applications for funding. This website will have updates as the work unfolds.

Funding is becoming more difficult so please consider donating so we can kick start these new projects and continue the work of becoming a pest free peninsula.

Parts of the Otago Peninsula have seen an increase in feral rabbit populations in recent years and some landowners have struggled to maintain rabbit populations to at or below allowable levels.

Sustained control of rabbits requires a high level of collaboration, communication, and participation amongst the majority of landowners in the area.

The poster below along with an effective management plan and a detailed report has been prepared by OPBG to help landowners and anyone else undertaking rabbit control to achieve long-term sustained control and, therefore, maximise the impact of the time, money and energy expended, and ensure that gains are maintained.

This work is undertaken in conjunction with a feasibility study undertaken by Predator Free Dunedin towards the eradication of mustelids on the Otago Peninsula, of which the reduction in the number of feral rabbits is a critical component.