Our number one enemy. Originally introduced in the 1880’s to control rabbits and hares.
They evolved in the cooler parts of the Northern hemisphere and developed the habit of killing then stashing their prey for a later snack!
- With a pulse rate of approx. 400 beats per minute, they will kill up to 5 times a day.
- Males are larger than females. Territories range from 60, to 300ha.
- Excellent climbers and swimmers they thrive in NZ from the Northern beaches to the snowy alpine peaks. No zone is safe.
- Their numbers peak from November to February when the young disperse from their dens.
- Generally widespread and low densities. Ferocious killers.
- Distinctive feature: black tip to the tail.