Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Trust

The Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group was formed in 2008 by Peninsula residents with a vision of protecting the area's remarkable biodiversity, primarily by removing introduced mammalian predators.

In 2026, we declared the Peninsula entirely free of possums after removing almost 25,000. The difference is already being seen and heard across the Peninsula. As possum numbers have fallen, forest bird numbers have risen: tūī, korimako/bellbird, kererū, pīwakawaka/fantail, riroriro/grey warbler, tītitipounamu/rifleman, mātātā/fernbird, kākā, and tauhou/silvereye are all becoming more common.

But the work is not yet done. A threat to our native birds, lizards, and invertebrates remains, and we are now turning our attention to the Peninsula's remaining mammalian predators - rats, mustelids (stoats, ferrets, and weasels), and hedgehogs - focusing our efforts in areas of high biodiversity value.

Our work depends on the generosity of people who care about this special place. If you'd like to help us protect the Otago Peninsula's wildlife for future generations, any contribution is gratefully received.