Get involved!

The animals and plants of Tōtaranui need your help now!

How to help

Predator /pest control is essential for the survival of many native species and ecosystems and is a key component of the project.

The nation has a goal of being predator free by 2050. To achieve this there will need to be significant investment of time and money.

The project is able to leverage off the multiple work streams to deliver cost effective solutions. Funding is obtained from multiple sources such as public agencies, families, businesses and corporate’s, philanthropists and other investors. Every dollar counts.

The islands of the Marlborough Sounds have a combined area of over 26,400 hectares. Some islands are predator free. We need to keep working to keep it that way and need to increase this number as they are a valuable refuge for native wildlife.

Some of the predators are carnivores and devastate birds, lizard and snail populations. Others damage the native vegetation by grazing, browsing, bark stripping and ground disturbance creating a “hollowed out” structure, lacking undergrowth.

Predator control around Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui include the following pests:

  • Mustelids (ferrets, stoats and weasels).
  • Rodents (rats and mice).
  • Feral animals (pigs, deer, possum, rabbits, goats, cats).
  • Wasps.

Domestic stock (sheep, cattle, deer, horses, goats) also need to be controlled by robust fencing to keep them in their paddocks.

Predator control methods are tailored for specific species and designed to reduce the potential risk to native species and include self resetting traps, bait stations, Fenn or DOC 150s, 200s or 250s. It is important to plan the predator control campaigns to ensure that they are maximising spatial coverage while mindful of the required ongoing maintenance and available volunteers.

You can help protect our native birds

Step 1: Identify what predators you have

It’s important to know what predators you’re targeting to ensure you use the right bait and trap. There are three easy ways to find out;
1. Look for any signs of predator activity eg poo or teeth marks on fruit. The Pest Detective is a great website for identifying pest poo if you aren’t too sure!
2. Teeth marks left on chew cards can help identify exactly which predators are paying you a visit. They also tell you where in your backyard the predators are visiting and good places to put a trap.
3. Tracking tunnels are another great way to identify predators. The predator walks through ink on a pad, leaving clear footprints you can use for identification.

Step 2: Get a suitable trap

Once you know which predator you’re dealing with, it’s time to select your trap. Follow Predator Free NZ best practice guide to find out what trap you’ll need.
Victor Professional trap and wooden tunnel.
Once your trap arrives make sure your read the safety instructions to ensure you know how to use it safely. Then you’re ready to start.
The best place to put your trap is where you have had bite marks on chew cards, this means predators are willing to stop and feed in that location. For best results make sure your trap is flat and stable, and the ends are clear.
Make sure you always wear gloves when handling your trap and catches.

Step 3: Prepare your backyard

Create an environment that makes your trap desirable for predators.
  • Make your trap the best spot to snack by removing water and other food sources.
  • If you provide water for birds, use a birdbath rather than a dish on the ground.
  • Never put meat scraps in your compost. If other food scraps are encouraging rats and mice, consider composting food using a bokashi bin and keeping your compost heap for garden waste.
  • Pick up fallen fruit and pick fruit off your trees as soon as it ripens.
  • Predator proof your hen house.
  • Consider whether a Bokashi composting system might work for you.

Further information

Get involved!

The animals and plants of Tōtaranui need your help now!