Locals trap predators

PROACTIVE: The Milson Scout Club with HRC councillor Rachel Keedwell. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

A group of local scouts have started their own predator-free project in the city.

The Milson Scout Troop launched the initiative last week, after hearing a talk from Horizons Regional Council's Rachel Keedwell.

She talked about the Government's Predator Free NZ project and encouraged them to do their part.

The discussion included what was the best rat bait out of peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, cheese, marshmallows or gummy bears.

The group will be building their own rat traps for backyards. The group is hopeful that if one in five backyards are equipped with traps, it might be enough to rid the city of the rodents.

Palmerston North City Council is also doing its part with a community-led biodiversity project in Moonshine Valley. The initiative was launched last week and PNCC hopes it will protect native wildlife.

The council has provided traps to residents and will monitor the number of predators caught.

PNCC policy analyst Adam Jarvis said Moonshine Valley was home to two council reserves with significant wildlife.

" ... residents have reported a substantial invasion of possums and mustelids in recent years. We're confident that through this project we can reduce the number of predators in the area and protect the birds that are currently under threat. The response from the community has been fantastic and there are around 40 households taking part."

Predator Free Crofton Downs was a successful project in Wellington. This scheme inspired PNCC to do something local.

"Around 200 households took part in the Crofton Downs project and collectively trapped more than 186 rats, 13 weasels and five stoats within the first year," Mr Jarvis said. "The community reported more sightings of native birds and lizards, and at least two kaka nests were discovered."

The Moonshine Valley project will run for 12 months and, if successful, will be established in other communities.