12/09/2024
Thanks River City Press Whanganui for this write up!
Predator Free Whanganui – trap loans and workshops to manage predators
Predator Free Whanganui is part of Sustainable Whanganui with ecologist and experienced trapper Rosi Merz doing the coordination role.
She says, “It is time to set up trap lines as part of the continuing process to protect birds.” Traps are available from Sustainable Whanganui at 23 Drews Ave on Wednesdays 10am to 5.30pm and on the first Saturday of the month from 9am to 2pm. They cost only $2 to hire for three months or longer if necessary. “All our traps are humane,” Rosi explains.
“There is a wide range of pests from rats to possums in the Whanganui area, including in the urban environment.” Durie Hill is an example and Durie Hill locals are setting up trap lines with Rosi’s help. Another area is at Te Ao Hou Marae in Aramoho. The marae is close to the spawning grounds of tuna eels.
All those who use traps are encouraged to report results through Trap NZ via the Predator Free Whanganui /Sustainable Whanganui website. Rosi says, “The system is easy to use via your phone.” She hopes to meet more members of the public who have a passion for trapping and want to see the difference it makes. By suppressing the number of pests, the number of native birds surviving increases.
If you need more information and/or advice, Predator Free Whanganui has teamed up with DOC to have a stall in front of the DOC building in Taupō Quay (opposite the isite) with giveaways, from 10am to 1pm this Saturday, September 7.
For those who haven’t used a trap before, there is a workshop on 17 September from 7 to 8.30pm. To register, people need to head to: www.wildsight.co.nz
