Traps need a powerful spring mechanism to kill humanely and that can make them difficult and a bit daunting to set, especially traps designed for larger pests and predators like possums and ferrets. Dave Edwards is a retired engineer, long-time community trapper (for Bay of Plenty kiwi and kōkako … [Read more...] about Dave Edwards aims to make Sentinel possum traps more user friendly
Volunteers
Ancient totara dune forest becomes new Southland reserve
In the far south of the South Island, in Otatara, Southland, there is a totara dune forest where ancient trees bend and twist and brace themselves against the prevailing winds. Sculpted by the winds, they grow in unusual shapes on the higher parts of the dry sand dunes. Windblown totara trees … [Read more...] about Ancient totara dune forest becomes new Southland reserve
Fenced in felines – keeping cats and wildlife safe
Barbara Clarke’s cats, Sammy and Smudge enjoy a fantastic view over the Pukawa bush reserve from their favourite sunspot on the deck. But because they're indoor cats that’s as close as they get to the rich birdlife and insect life in the adjacent forest. Indoor cat, Sammy enjoys the sun on the … [Read more...] about Fenced in felines – keeping cats and wildlife safe
97-year-old comes to aid of Moeraki penguins
While others may have been more idle than usual during the recent Covid 19 Lockdown, 97-year-old Peter Whitehead was busy in his workshop building trapboxes to help protect the local yellow-eyed penguins – and he’s still busy. Peter Whitehead works on a trapbox. Photo: Alison MacTavish. “I’ve … [Read more...] about 97-year-old comes to aid of Moeraki penguins
‘Didymo Dave’ makes trout lures from stoat tails
Got a freshly dead stoat in your trap? Want to feed your family a tasty meal. No – we’re not offering up stoat recipes here. But the black tip of a stoat’s tail makes a great fishing lure for catching trout and if you’re keen to give a stoat tail fly a go, Taupo’s ‘Didymo Dave’ Cade is just the man … [Read more...] about ‘Didymo Dave’ makes trout lures from stoat tails
Guidance for Alert Level 2
New Zealand is moving to Level 2 at midnight 13th May (this evening). This is great news, as most people will be able to resume predator control activities on public land. We recommend you check with the manager of the land in case they have any special requirements at Level 2 The general … [Read more...] about Guidance for Alert Level 2
Alert Level 3 —what you can and can’t do
Most recently updated 12pm 28 April We are now in Level 3. We know a number of you are looking forward to getting back to your projects and checking and rebaiting your traps and bait stations. We’ve been trying to get the most up to date information so you can be clear on what you can and … [Read more...] about Alert Level 3 —what you can and can’t do
Better together? A review of community conservation hubs in New Zealand
Community conservation hubs are the subject of much, if very recent, discussion in New Zealand. As a result the Predator Free NZ Trust recently commissioned a report from The Catalyst Group’s Dr Marie Doole (nee Brown) looking into hubs, their challenges, benefits and what support they need to … [Read more...] about Better together? A review of community conservation hubs in New Zealand
Tree-mounted rat trap boxes prove successful for Russell Peninsula group
Eion Harwood, coordinator for Russell Landcare Trust’s ‘Kiwi Protection’ project, has been spending a lot of time observing rat behaviour on the 15 trail cameras that the group has set up across 450 hectares of the Russell Peninsula where they carry out intensive rat control. The group also carries … [Read more...] about Tree-mounted rat trap boxes prove successful for Russell Peninsula group
Tīeke – legendary teller of fortunes and guardian of treasure
Tīeke have a legendary reputation as guardians, weather-predictors, fortune-tellers and guides, although their saddle-like markings are said to be a sign that they once displeased Māui-pōtiki and were marked when he grabbed them with a hot hand and singed their feathers. North Island Saddleback … [Read more...] about Tīeke – legendary teller of fortunes and guardian of treasure