Deer the number one pest

Deer were the most captured pest recorded on trail cameras put out by volunteer farmers as part of the Puketoi to the Pacific Catchment Collective (PPCC) pest monitoring project.

Results, presented at the PPCC AGM in August, showed the prevalence of deer, with 68% of camera sites recording deer. One camera shot counts as one sighting but, in some cases, photos showed multiple animals in one image.

The monitoring project is the first phase in the pest control programme being rolled out by the PPCC. The camera network involved 36 landowners, with 94 cameras deployed for 31 days on average across the four catchments from March to July 2026.

Deer were followed by rabbits and hares, which were recorded at 34% of camera sites, feral cats recorded at 14% of sites and pigs, recorded at 13% of sites. Cameras also picked up goats, and possums.

While the programme was a success, it does represent a shot in time, but results clearly show deer are widespread around the collective, in large numbers in some places.

Rats and mice were the biggest offenders on chew cards, followed by possums. Mustelids were very low, and were not captured on camera at all. But absence of capture does not necessarily indicate absence of presence.

We know there are stoats and ferrets in the catchments, but as they are small, on the ground and move quickly, they can be difficult to capture on camera.

With the monitoring project complete we will move into the next phase of the programme and are seeking feedback from our catchment groups on what the next steps will be.

Options include workshops in individual groups and further monitoring for problem or specific species.

PPCC Chair, Simon Hales, emphasised the project to date had created a starting point. “Catchments groups now need to come together to decide what plan to make, and identify priorities around pest control and monitoring. What we do know is, data is power.”