1015 days ago

'Play gym' trap helps capture seven stoats at pest-free Shakespear Regional Park

Caroline Williams Reporter from Rodney Times

Seven stoats have been captured during an outbreak at Shakespear Regional Park, however it is estimated there could be around four more.

A stoat was first spotted in the 500-hectare pest-free sanctuary at the end of 2020. It later gave birth, meaning there may be up to 11 stoats wreaking havoc among the park's wildlife.

Two female stoats have been trapped this month, and last week the cameras spotted a stoat checking out a stoat “play gym” – a pile of debris placed on a log bridge and with traps inside – where one of its “presumed siblings” was trapped on July 2.

“We treat this positively as it is knowledge to inform next steps and a head start on where to target this next animal,” senior ranger at the sanctuary Matt Maitland said.

“There is genuine excitement that we are making progress, tempered with healthy realism of the task still ahead of us.”

Click 'read more' for the full story.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

ANZAC Day and The New Zealand Red Cross

The Team from Red Cross Shop Dargaville

The Red Cross shop in Dargaville remembers all those who have fallen in conflict this ANZAC Day.

3 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts 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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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.7% Yes
    91.7% Complete
  • 8% No
    8% Complete
  • 0.3% Other - I'll share below!
    0.3% Complete
943 votes