A massive beech seed fall in 2025 will boost pests threatening New Zealand’s birds, prompting large-scale 1080 poison operations.

A major beech mast is expected across western and southern New Zealand’s South Island in 2025, the largest in seven years, triggering a surge in rodent and stoat populations that threaten native birds and wildlife. The Department of Conservation will conduct large-scale aerial 1080 operations across 650,000 hectares to suppress pests before and after seed fall, with follow-up treatments planned for 2026–27. While the event benefits some native birds temporarily, experts warn of long-term ecological damage without sustained predator control. Long-term efforts, including pest elimination in areas like South Westland, aim to reduce reliance on reactive management and protect biodiversity.