Inspired by the return of kaka to South Titirangi? A local trapping line needs volunteers to keep traps baited and catching rats, mice, possums and hopefully an occasional stoat to encourage kaka to stay put. This is one of the predator control lines within the South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network area. Community volunteer Matt Bloxham established the trapline with Clair Hobi, Tony Dunn and with assistance and support from Auckland Council’s Regional Parks Unit.
“By keeping the number of pest species down, it’s enabling species like tui and keruru to thrive here, and we’re hoping kaka will evenutally set up residence in Titirangi rather than just drifting through as they do presently ,” he says. “Kaka have estabished breeding populations quite recently on Waiheke Island and we’d like to repeat that here.”
“Predators like ship rats are just so pervasive. As well as eating eggs and nestlings, ship rats also climb kauri trees to feast on the seeds. This is a problem as it puts rats in direct competition with kaka, says Matt.”
“We just don’t have the people to check, clear and rebait the traps as often as is needed. It’s a grizzly, often smelly job but it’s satisfying work. With more folks, we’ll be able to clear the traps more often and knock over substantially more predators”, says Clair.
There are now more than 500 trapping devices recorded in South Titirangi which are regularly capturing pest animal species.
To get involved in trapping in South Titirangi, email neighbours@southtitirangi.org.nz, or get in touch with your street co-ordinator.
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