Zero Invasive Predators
Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is a New Zealand conservation non-profit that develops proprietary hardware and software — including the MotoLure automated lure dispenser, PosStop trap, and AI-enabled thermal detection device — to remove invasive possums, rats, and stoats from mainland landscapes, serving government agencies, conservation NGOs, and research institutions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersWellington, New Zealand
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Zero Invasive Predators does
Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is a New Zealand-based conservation non-profit incorporated as Zero Invasive Predators Limited and headquartered in Wellington, with a dedicated predator behaviour research facility at Lincoln University. Founded in February 2015, ZIP develops technologies and operational methodologies to enable complete removal of invasive mammalian predators — primarily possums, rats, and stoats — from large mainland landscapes, and to prevent their re-establishment. The organization operates an integrated "Remove and Protect" model that combines operational predator removal (including aerial 1080 applications), physical exclusion infrastructure, and ongoing detection-and-response systems.
ZIP's product portfolio centres on a suite of proprietary hardware and software. The MotoLure automated lure dispenser dispenses fresh egg mayonnaise lure daily for up to one year on a five-year battery, eliminating the manual servicing bottleneck of traditional trapping networks. The PosStop is a live-capture possum trap based on the PCR No. 1 leghold trap, deployable with a SafeLock mechanism that disables the trap during daylight hours to protect non-target kea populations. The OutPost module provides remote reporting of captures, and an in-development AI-enabled thermal detection device targets on-board species classification (possums, rats, stoats) with greater than six months' battery life. ZIP has also developed lower-cost fencing alternatives — notably an HDPE pipe-capped 1,100 mm fence achieving 94.7% effectiveness against ship rats and 95.2% against stoats — and a Rhodamine B bio-marking technique for tracking animal movement.
ZIP's business model is grant-funded rather than commercial. Revenue is sourced from philanthropic foundations and government agencies, with founding partners NEXT Foundation and the Department of Conservation providing both operational funding and regulatory approvals, and Predator Free 2050 Limited, Jasmine Social Investments, Morgan Foundation, and the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge supporting specific product development and field projects. ZIP serves conservation NGOs (Predator Free Wellington, Predator Free Dunedin, Predator Free South Westland, Predator Free Rakiura, Te Manahuna Aoraki), government agencies (DOC, Greater Wellington Regional Council), and research institutions (Lincoln University, University of Auckland, Callaghan Innovation) — distributing tools and technical expertise through collaborative partnerships rather than commercial sales channels.
Zero Invasive Predators firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Zero Invasive Predators
- Legal name
- Zero Invasive Predators Limited
- Website
- https://zip.org.nz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is a New Zealand conservation non-profit that develops proprietary hardware and software — including the MotoLure automated lure dispenser, PosStop trap, and AI-enabled thermal detection device — to remove invasive possums, rats, and stoats from mainland landscapes, serving government agencies, conservation NGOs, and research institutions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Zero Invasive Predators industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Conservation Technology
- NAICS
- Fishing, Hunting and Trapping (114), Exterminating and Pest Control Services (56171), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)
- SIC
- Fishing, Hunting And Trapping (900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wildlife Control & Exclusion (IMAIAHAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Spay/Neuter & Population Control Programs (BPAGAIAE), Opossum Control & Exclusion (HSAMACAF), Eco-Friendly Rodent Control (Non-Toxic Baits, Traps & Exclusion) (HSAMALAD)
Keywords
Where Zero Invasive Predators is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wellington
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices2 records
Markets served
Zero Invasive Predators business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Grant Funding and Philanthropic Support: ZIP operates as a nonprofit conservation organization funded by government agencies, foundations, and social investment organizations. Primary funders include Department of Conservation, NEXT Foundation, Predator Free 2050 Limited, Jasmine Social Investments, and Morgan Foundation. Revenue supports research, tool development, and operational field programs.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
Zero Invasive Predators product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is a nonprofit conservation organization that develops and supplies proprietary hardware tools—including the MotoLure automated lure dispenser, the PosStop live-capture possum trap with SafeLock daytime lockout, and the OutPost remote reporting system—for the detection, capture, and removal of invasive predators (possums, rats, stoats, feral cats, hedgehogs) from New Zealand landscapes. The organization also provides technical support, field research, and low-height fencing solutions to conservation projects under its integrated "Remove and Protect" model.
Product overview
Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is a conservation organization that develops technology products for predator detection and control. Their product portfolio centers on the Remove and Protect conservation model, which involves completely removing predators from areas and then preventing reinvasion. The core products include the MotoLure automated lure dispenser (which works with trail cameras and traps), the PosStop live-capture possum trap with optional OutPost remote reporting and SafeLock daytime lockout mechanisms, and an AI-powered thermal camera detection device currently in development. These products work together as an integrated system: MotoLures attract predators to areas where they are detected by trail cameras or captured by PosStop traps, with automated reporting enabling rapid response.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ZIP MotoLure An automated lure dispenser that dispenses fresh food lure (egg mayonnaise) daily for up to one year without manual servicing. Comprises a stainless-steel chassis, motor driver with approximately five-year battery life, and a 60ml syringe. Used by conservation projects as a lure for traps, pre-feeding tool, bio-marking tool, and detection device lure.
- ZIP PosStop A live-capture possum trap based on the PCR No. 1 leghold trap, presented on a raised platform to minimize risks to ground-dwelling birds. Includes a bungee cord to reduce possum escapes and a white powder-coated aluminium visual lure. The SafeLock variant enables daytime lockout to prevent kea interaction while permitting nighttime operation.
- ZIP OutPost An automated reporting system that pairs with ZIP PosStop traps to provide remote monitoring and automatic notifications when animals are captured, enabling conservation managers to respond rapidly to predator detections.
- ZIP AI Detection Device A prototype AI-enabled detection device under development comprising a highly sensitive thermal camera, on-board artificial intelligence video analysis software, and remote reporting capability with a target battery life exceeding six months. Designed to reliably identify possums, rats, and stoats with remote reporting to conservation managers.
- Low-Height Predator Fencing Solutions Tested fence designs developed as lower-cost alternatives to traditional steel predator fencing, including a 1,100mm high fence with HDPE pipe capping (94.7% effective against ship rats, 95.2% against stoats), electric hotwire retrofitted fences, and aluminium sheet metal collar fences (82% effective against ship rats).
Quantifiable outcome
- HDPE pipe capped fence: 94.7% containment of ship rats, 95.2% containment of stoats
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Zero Invasive Predators
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Zero Invasive Predators technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Zero Invasive Predators partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.
- inFact (Christchurch)coreChristchurch-based mechanical and engineering company that collaborated with ZIP to develop the MotoLure automated lure dispenser capable of dispensing fresh food lure daily for up to one year.
- Predator Free WellingtonmajorConservation organization on Miramar Peninsula. ZIP provides technical support, fence testing services, and tools for their predator removal project. Collaborated on HDPE pipe capped fence testing.
- Otago Peninsula Biodiversity TrustmajorZIP collaborated on testing modified electric farm fences as possum barriers and provided technical support for the 9,500 hectare possum eradication project.
- Predator Free DunedinmajorZIP provides technical support and advice for possum eradication operations in the Dunedin area.
- Game Animal CouncilsupportingCollaborated on research program to assess Himalayan tahr survivorship during Perth River predator removal operation, ensuring pest control operations are based on good science.
- Greater Wellington Regional CouncilmajorZIP tested BT200 kill trap animal welfare performance for stoats for use in Miramar Peninsula trapping network as part of Predator Free Wellington project.
- University of AucklandsupportingCollaborated on visual model research to investigate how cereal baits appear to kea, testing whether kea can detect differences between bait types including those containing anthraquinone.
- Lincoln UniversitycoreHome to ZIP's predator behaviour facility where trap testing and animal behavior research is conducted. Professor Geoff Kerr provided statistical analysis for tahr survivorship study.
- Callaghan InnovationsupportingTook UV spectral measurements of different cereal bait types using fiber optics spectrometer to inform kea visual perception research.
- Willowbank Wildlife ReservesupportingZIP conducted captive kea trials at Willowbank to test anthraquinone aversion training and SafeLock trap kea interference testing in controlled enclosure environment.
- Tuia-Te-TaiaosupportingNew Zealand conservation initiative featured as a partner/collaborator in ZIP's network.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Zero Invasive Predators competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Island Conservation: Global nonprofit specializing in technology-enabled invasive species removal on islands. Closest international analogue to ZIP's Remove and Protect approach with overlapping customer base in island restoration.
Broad incumbents
- Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand: Largest NZ conservation NGO advocating and operating on predator control and native species protection. Shares mission and end-customers with ZIP but operates at broader advocacy scale.
- Department of Conservation (DOC): NZ government conservation agency and ZIP's core operational partner. Runs landscape-scale predator control operations on public conservation land with overlapping techniques (traps, 1080).
- Predator Free 2050 Limited: NZ government-backed program and ZIP's primary strategic funder. Coordinates the national Predator Free 2050 mission that ZIP's tools directly serve; highly comparable mission and stakeholder base.
Direct peers
- Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research: NZ Crown research institute conducting predator behaviour, traps, and biodiversity research used across the conservation sector. Operates the same research-to-field pipeline as ZIP.
- Predator Free South Westland: Community-led 107,000 ha predator eradication project collaborating directly with ZIP on tool deployment. Same customer base, same predator targets, same operational geography.
- Predator Free Wellington: Community predator removal project on Miramar Peninsula and surrounding areas receiving ZIP technical support and tools. Operationally identical to ZIP-supported projects.
- Te Manahuna Aoraki Project: Multi-stakeholder conservation initiative across Mackenzie Basin and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, targeting eight introduced pests. ZIP-supplied tools and methods applied across this 200,000+ ha project.
- Predator Free Rakiura: Stewart Island/Rakiura predator removal project removing possums, rats, feral cats, and hedgehogs. Operates with ZIP input across large-scale island predator eradication.
- Predator Free Dunedin: Community-led predator eradication program in Dunedin/Ōtākou where ZIP advises on possum operations. Same approach, same methodology, same conserved species goals.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Zero Invasive Predators social profiles
Digital presenceZero Invasive Predators financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Zero Invasive Predators leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Zero Invasive Predators funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Zero Invasive Predators M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Zero Invasive Predators
What does Zero Invasive Predators do?
Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is a nonprofit conservation organization that develops and supplies proprietary hardware tools—including the MotoLure automated lure dispenser, the PosStop live-capture possum trap with SafeLock daytime lockout, and the OutPost remote reporting system—for the detection, capture, and removal of invasive predators (possums, rats, stoats, feral cats, hedgehogs) from New Zealand landscapes. The organization also provides technical support, field research, and low-height fencing solutions to conservation projects under its integrated "Remove and Protect" model.
Is Zero Invasive Predators a public or private company?
Zero Invasive Predators is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Zero Invasive Predators founded?
Zero Invasive Predators was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Zero Invasive Predators based?
Zero Invasive Predators is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does Zero Invasive Predators make money?
One revenue line is on record: grant Funding and Philanthropic Support.
Who are Zero Invasive Predators's main competitors?
Island Conservation is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, Department of Conservation (DOC) and Predator Free 2050 Limited. Direct peers are Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Predator Free South Westland, Predator Free Wellington, Te Manahuna Aoraki Project, Predator Free Rakiura and Predator Free Dunedin.
Does Zero Invasive Predators have an API?
No public API is recorded for Zero Invasive Predators.
What industry is Zero Invasive Predators in?
Zero Invasive Predators's product category is Conservation Technology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAIAHAJ, Wildlife Control & Exclusion, with a secondary code of BPAGAIAE, Spay/Neuter & Population Control Programs. Its NAICS code is 114 and its SIC code is 900.