Mātai Kōkako Conservation Project

EST 2022

MORE ABOUT OUR PEST MANAGEMENT

The property is very steep – there is a 200 metre elevation increase from the lower south-west corner to the higher north-east corner. The perimeter is just over 4 km. Driving out to the north-east corner of the site to cover the perimeter has to be done in 2 tranches due to the track layout the overall distance here is 10 km. Where possible, the trap lines are based around tracks on the property and on neighbouring properties (where permission has kindly been given for this access).The approach to the management of pests is as follows:1. The trapping of larger pests – possums, mustelids and feral cats.2. The poisoning of smaller pests – rodents. There is crossover of course with rodents being killed by both bait and the DoC traps. Possums also are attracted to the rodent bait, and some will meet their demise this way.
After getting an initial feel for the seasonal pest activity on the trap lines, the target is for a monthly check of all bait and trap locations across the block. On the more active south-west, north-west, north and northeast sectors of the perimeter line, the target is a weekly check. In summer, the entire network can be worked and serviced in 3 days. When the tracks are dry, some initial drop off and load carrying work can be completed using a 'side by side' (small 4WD) vehicle. In winter, the tracks are not passable by vehicles and all servicing work needs to be completed on foot. This extends the time to 4 days. Wet weather never seems to stop in Auckland so foot work happens for a large portion of the year unfortunately, so it keeps the owners busy. Future developments The intense baiting and trapping program has been measured to show that low numbers of pests can be maintained within the bush generally. However, this process does not stop the larger mammals coming through the block and damaging the understory and even lush small trees up to about 3 metres in height. Goats and pigs are the main concern. The solution here is perimeter fencing. The Maddocks are exploring ways to construct a mammal-proof fence around the perimeter of the whole block. This will be something similar to a deer fence. More information will be provided on the progress of fencing in due course. It all comes down to money.