Pest Detective is an online tool to help people in New Zealand identify the presence of vertebrate pest animals.
Pest animals are often nocturnal and hard to spot. They leave tell-tale clues that tell us they are in the area.
What do we mean by 'pest animal?'
The animals featured in Pest Detective have all been introduced to New Zealand either by accident or intentionally. They are regarded as pests because they threaten the health of our native ecosystems and/or primary production sector, though special management is required where people value a species for such things as hunting, agriculture or as pets > read more
Why are the Culprits not in alphabetical order?
The species on the culprits page are generally grouped with other species that have similar field sign. Grouping them together makes it easier to compare clues, especially the images in the Clues section. Each group of more closely related species (e.g. mustelids) are arranged by size from small to large. See more >
Clue corner
Bennett's wallaby droppings can be quite varied. Within this cluster are a flattened square shape in cross section (lower left group); elongated tear-drop, more rounded in cross section (centre); and shorter, squarer pellets (upper centre). Note the fibrous texture from the plant diet.
> See enlarged image
How to access in the field?
Pest Detective can be used on mobile devices – no special app is required.
Where internet coverage is likely to be doubtful, you can download and save or print chosen pages from Pest Detective as PDFs to take with you > read how
Culprit corner
It's peak breeding season (February-March) for Bennett's wallaby. They were first released in 1874 near Waimate and have gradually spread, first in South Canterbury but now, worringly, are also in North Otago. They are an unwanted organism so report any sightings in Otago to the Otago Regional Council or in Canterbury, outside the containment area, to Environment Canterbury.
Junior Pest Detectives
Wallabies are native to Australia but are pests in New Zealand because they damage vegetation. The Bennett's wallaby occurs in part of the South Island (see left). The dama wallaby (see right) is found around Rotorua in the North Island. Do you know which species is bigger?
Latest from 'On the case' pest detection news
New Zealand Nature Heroes
27 January 2020
A new book is set to inspire and empower New Zealand kids to be naturalists and conservationists – including being pest detectives.
Author Gillian Chandler wrote New Zealand Nature Heroes to encourage children to become citizen scientists, actively engaged with their local environment.
The book emphasises the importance of observation in nature conservation and suggests varied activities that children can undertake for themselves.
Detecting pest animals is one such activity. There are simple instructions on how to make tracking tunnels and chew cards, with a link to our Pest Detective website for help on identifying the animal signs observed.