67 days ago

New alpine trap line lies in wait for expected predators

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

By reporter Debbie Jamieson:

A new high alpine predator trap line is the final link in a 100km front protecting native wildlife between Wānaka and Glenorchy.

The installation of the 64 traps was also a symbolic joining of the Wānaka and Whakatipu basins in a bid to create the largest predator-free sanctuary on the New Zealand mainland.

Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust hub co-ordinator Tom Reeves led a team of five workers installing the traps across about 13km from the Cascade Saddle to the Rees Saddle last week.

The traps were dropped into 10 locations by Aspiring Helicopters before the team spent two nights in the mountains installing each trap.

Reeves said the construction of the trap line was a goal when the trust was formed in 2021.

Since then the umbrella organisation had brought together six local groups representing 84 community groups, landowners and businesses to work on its predator-free plans.

The highest installed trap on the line sat at 1835 metres, making it one of the higher trap lines in the country.

The traps targeted stoats, rats and other mustelids, and would actively help protect kea and rock wren in their natural habitat, he said.

Giant weta, alpine invertebrates and lizards would also benefit.

In summer, stoats would come over the mountain passes and re-invade valleys such as the West Matukituki, where long tailed bats and robins and kaka lived, he said.

The trap line also provided protection for the Rees Valley, where the Department of Conservation is hoping to establish a population of vulnerable takahe.

“We’ve put several hundred traps into the Rees already and this is all part of gearing up for that huge trans-relocation as well,” Reeves said.

The traps would be checked monthly, but not in winter due to snow and avalanche risk.

Maintaining the trap line would be a joint venture between the Matukituki Charitable Trust servicing the traps on the Wānaka side, and the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust responsible for the Glenorchy side.

The Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust was continuing to seek support from funders and volunteers to continue the work, he said.

“Otherwise a lot of those gains we’ve made over these last few years will disappear so we do need a lot of help.“

The trust’s 30-year goal is to create a 660,000-hectare area free of introduced pests where the indigenous fauna – including 35 endangered species – is able to thrive.

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More messages from your neighbours
7 days ago

Poll: Have you ever been bullied?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

People associate bullying with children in schools, but it can actually stretch beyond childhood to workplaces or neighbourhoods.

This Friday is Pink Shirt Day, which began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new student was harassed for wearing pink. People across the globe are now encouraged to wear pink on this day to take a stand against bullying and promote inclusivity.

Have you or your whānau ever experienced bullying? Share your thoughts on Pink Shirt Day below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Have you ever been bullied?
  • 79.9% Yes
    79.9% Complete
  • 19.6% No
    19.6% Complete
  • 0.5% Other - I'll share below
    0.5% Complete
1770 votes
5 days ago

Tips for moving to a retirement village with a pet

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

Moving to a retirement village marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities waiting to be explored. Naturally, you want to share this journey with your beloved furry companion, and at Ryman, you are welcome to bring your pet along, provided they are suitable for the village environment.

Once your pet is approved for the village, the focus shifts to ensuring a smooth transition for them. Dogs and cats, being creatures of habit, may find relocating stressful. However, with patience and a thoughtful approach, we can mitigate their anxiety and help them settle into their new surroundings seamlessly.

For more tips click read more.

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6 days ago

Got a great recipe for grapefruit? Share it and win a copy of our magazine!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Hello neighbours, we're looking for delicious grapefruit recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's July issue. Send your family's favourite ways to use this citrus fruit to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Junel 30, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the July issue of NZ Gardener.

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