Drowning baby possums? Hatred of invasive species has gone too far | Jules Howard

Non-native animals present serious conservation problems, but spectacle killings, such as in a New Zealand school, are outdated and outright questionable

• Jules Howard is a zoologist

One can understand New Zealand’s apparent frustration with invasive Australian brushtail possums. One can conjure up genuine sadness for the damage the possums cause through their unwavering appetite for birds’ eggs and one can feel real concern for the plight of the native species being edged out. Like many invasive species, they are a nightmare made real. Fast-multiplying bullies. Monsters. And like all monsters they need to be caught and their babies given a damn good drowning in a bucket of water in front of children at a school fundraiser.

Related: Yes, let’s send home those ‘expat’ species. Starting with donkeys and rabbits | Jules Howard

Related: New Zealand's possum war: 'barbaric' drowning of babies at school fair sparks outcry

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