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Ledger 1 : 33 — For each dollar financing nature-based solutions in 2023, about $33 financed activities harmful to nature. (UNEP)
Cases / Law, regulation and treaties · New Zealand · 1883–1892

Stoats and weasels released in New Zealand against rabbits, 1883–1892

Short record: the main facts, with sources. A full case file has not been prepared.

Nature's voice · report
No measurement of the harm done to me here is on record.
Did nature suffer? Not measured.
Not on record
  • The record does not name which of my species, waters, soils or forests were harmed.
What the record lacks: 3 none on record · 1 not measured See the gaps

Farmers pressed for stoats and weasels to be released against rabbits in New Zealand between 1883 and 1892, although scientists had warned against it. The sources reviewed do not say how the predators affected native wildlife.

What?
Stoats and weasels were released in New Zealand to control rabbits. Otago Daily Times
Where?
New Zealand Otago Daily Times
When?
1883 to 1892 Otago Daily Times
Who?
Gained
Lost
None on record
Harmed
None on record
Why?
Farmer pressure to control rabbits. Otago Daily Times
How?
Stoats and weasels were released against rabbits despite earlier scientific warnings. Otago Daily Times
6 of 6 questions answered from the record

What happened

The record, in order.

The Otago Daily Times reports that stoats and weasels were released against rabbits in New Zealand between 1883 and 1892.

The same report says the releases followed farmer pressure, and that scientists had warned of them in the 1880s.

    In court and with insurers

    Every proceeding and every insurer decision on record.

    Lawsuits and rulings

    No court case on record. No court has ruled on this case.

    Insurers

    No insurer decision on record.

    What we don't know

    Undisclosed, unproven, untried: recorded as data.

    Nature

    • Not measured Harm to nature: The record holds no measurement of harm to nature.

    Record

    • None on record The number of animals released and the places of release are not stated in the sources reviewed.
    • None on record The effect of the released predators on native wildlife and on rabbit numbers is not stated in the sources reviewed.
    • None on record The content of the scientists' warnings and who gave them is not stated in the sources reviewed.

    Did the harm stop?

    Not stated in the sources reviewed.

    Who paid?

    Not stated in the sources reviewed.

    Sources

    Voices on record: — Company or project— Government and regulators— Courts✓ Press and investigations— Communities and civil society— Researchers

    Press and investigations

    1. Death unleashed
      Otago Daily Times ·
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