More traps and volunteers added to Te Mata's anti-pest arsenal

Alex Clare, left, and Alex Tuffin from Hawke's Bay Regional Council with one of the new DOC200 predator traps on Te Mata Peak. Photo / Warren Buckland

Te Mata Park is on a mission to improve native biodiversity to benefit the environment - and predator control is all part of the picture in protecting the whenua.

Thanks to a grant from Biodiversity HB and one from a generous park user, Te Mata Park has been able to update pest control measures.

With grant funding over the next few weeks, 13 DOC200 traps and effective rabbit control measures will be set up in appropriate places around the park.

Park manager Emma Buttle said, "We are absolutely delighted that the application was successful; the traps will make a huge difference in protecting our native flora and fauna."

Al Cuming, a regular park user, has a keen interest in pest control and builds his own traps.

He has donated four double traps and six single DOC200 traps.

The park's manager said Al has generously supported Te Mata Park in various ways over the last few years.

"We are immensely grateful to Al as he embraces a true community spirit.

"Al knows the traps will significantly impact our park's natural environment," Buttle said.

HBRC Alex Clare, left, and Alex Tuffin carefully set and placed one of the new DOC200 predator traps on Te Mata Peak. Photo / Warren Buckland

DOC200 traps are humane kill traps for rats, stoats, and hedgehogs.

Buttle explained that the Connovation lure or dehydrated rabbit is used as bait, which has proven very effective in the existing traps.

"Whole eggs also work well," she said

The rabbit control measures are also essential to the predator control strategy.

Rabbits threaten ecological values when they browse vulnerable native plant communities, while hedgehogs, rats and stoats prey on indigenous birds, reptiles and invertebrates and can impact the regeneration of some plants by eating seeds and seedlings.

Seven additional volunteers were added to assist with monitoring the new traps.

New volunteers will receive training and be supplied with the tools they require, including bait.

"We are hugely grateful to our volunteers for assisting us with the monitoring and reporting of all catches," Buttle said.

"Te Mata Park has a very lean operational budget, and support from our community and charitable trusts is essential for effective management and protection of the park."

If you are interested in supporting the park's native biodiversity efforts, contact Emma Buttle at info@tematapark.co.nz.