Community pest-trapping projects on the increase along the coast
Trap boxes are being carried down to the beach at Patons Rock, ready to put in place between there and Onekaka. Photo: Supplied.
Golden Bay community pest-trapping projects continue to expand with a new line linking trapping clusters at Puramahoi, Onekaka, Parapara and Milnthorpe.
The continued enthusiasm reflects the desire of many in the community to help make a difference in improving the breeding success of our native birds in our local environment.
“Trapping focuses on stoats, with a sideline of rats, and targeted trapping of possums and wild cats also occurs,” said committee member Marian Milne. “Stoats are a vicious top predator on our native species. Particularly vulnerable locally are the ground-dwelling nesting little blue penguins and weka, but there are also regular reports of predated tui nests, indicating their efforts are much wider than the easy prey on the ground. In Kahurangi, stoats may be held directly responsible for pushing our local kaka, blue duck and other birds towards extinction.”
The new beach line was established on advice from ecologist Dave Butler after mapping of the existing trap clusters clearly showed a valuable linkage along the coast. Previous experience shows the coast is a highway for stoats, and catch rates are traditionally highest in these sites.
Direct protection can be provided to nesting blue penguins and variable oystercatchers, and interception of stoats travelling along the beach should decrease their total impact on bush birds at bush sites in Onekaka and Milnthorpe.
Onekaka Biodiversity Group received funding from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for the new traps and, with the support of Kiwi Conservation Club families, the first traps were set in early September.
Marian said that people can put their name or their walking group’s name on the roster to check traps. “If we get good numbers, each group may only need to check once annually. If you see a trap while out walking, please check it’s secure. Do not try and reset traps without the proper tools and training; they are very dangerous.
“The traps as they go out are DOC-approved humane-kill traps in boxes designed to be child-, penguin- and weka-proof. However tide and weather may damage the traps. Please report any damage though contact below or the DOC office.”
Donations to local trapping projects can be made to Thora Blithe of Onekaka Biodiversity Group ph 525 6009 or to local Forest and Bird branch secretary Jo-Anne Vaughan.
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