The balance of nature is important, and if this balance is disrupted, vulnerable species are at risk.
South Head has been identified as a high priority area in the program to make NZ predator free by 2050. Landcare and its members are passionate about assisting with this goal.
The South Head peninsular is home to many threatened and endangered species which are at the mercy of pest like stoats, ferrets and possums. Stoats and ferrets also attack chickens and possums are very effective at stripping fruit trees.
Identifying Your Pests
The first step to successfully dealing with pests is to identify what pests you have:
Look for any signs eg rat poo, mouse poo, rat or possum teeth marks on fruit.
Chew cards and/or tracking cards and tunnels are other options for identifying the presence and location of predators on your property. The Predator Free NZ website has information on these.
Get Your Trap On
Now you can start trapping and South Kaipara Landcare has a range of traps available for locals to use.
Committee members experienced in trapping are on hand to explain how to safely use the traps and the best methods of catching pests. In return we ask that you keep a record of all your catches. If you no longer wish to use the trap then it will be available to the next person on the list.
Want To Get Involved?
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Trap Loan Project
Traps are loaned out to South Kaipara Landcare members offering them a chance to target specific pests, try before they buy (traps can be expensive) and get access to expert information and advice (i.e when traps are dropped off, one off the group provide one-on-one information and advice on how to use the trap).
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Pest Control Hub
The current hub’s focus on pest control within Lake Rototoa Reserve, Lake Kereta margin, the Dune Lakes project area, plus a couple of private bush blocks. Traplines are set up and maintained by volunteers in these hubs.