It Seemed Like a Good Idea At The Time
This article describes an environmental decision that had terrible consequences.
About this resource
Series: Connected 2011 Level 3 - Border Security
Category: Non-fiction
Strand: Number and Algebra, Nature of science, Living world
It Seemed Like a Good Idea At The Time
By Bronwen Wall
In the late 1800s, ferrets, stoats, and weasels were introduced into New Zealand to get rid of rabbits. However, these mustelids caused unforeseen destruction. They didn’t eat only rabbits – they discovered that New Zealand’s native animals and birds were very easy prey.
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More from this series
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Connected 2011 Level 3 - Border Security
In this Connected series there are four articles ("It Seemed Like a Good Idea"; "Protecting the Border"; "A Helpful Immigrant"; "What is Biosecurity").
1 of 4Protecting the Border
This article describes the systems and technologies that have been developed to prevent unwanted pests, diseases, and goods coming into New Zealand and to prevent precious taonga such as native species being smuggled out of the country.
2 of 4A Helpful Immigrant
This article investigates the use of bio-control agents – insects or other organisms that are imported to manage plant pests.
3 of 4What is Biosecurity
This article introduces the concept of biosecurity and explains how, as a group of isolated islands, New Zealand developed a unique range of ecosystems.
4 of 4
