New alpine trap line lies in wait for expected predators
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.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.3% Yes
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15.2% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Georgina's Rhubarb Crumble
Craving a dessert that makes the most of spring's fresh produce? Look no further than Georgina's signature Rhubarb Crumble.
This delicious treat has become a favourite at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, where the sweet and tangy aroma often wafts through the air, tempting neighbours in for a taste. It’s also a hit with Georgina's 13-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, who loves serving it warm with gooey custard or a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.
Click read more for the recipe.
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