Trap-shy stoats are a problem for pest controllers battling to protect kiwi, a Department of Conservation report has found.
DoC has been monitoring 16 sites around the country to see how effective stoat control is.
The report on its work found trapping increased kiwi chick survival rates at most sites.
But it
also said that because stoats were highly mobile and re-invaded sanctuaries quickly, control needed to be spread over large areas.
It recommended further investigations into trap concealment, new trap designs and long-life baits.
"Trapping can be effective ... but protection is not achieved in all years, probably because of high rates of re-invasion and the presence of individuals that avoid traps," the report said.
It was unknown if stoats were naturally trap-wary or learned to avoid them.
Dogs had been used successfully to catch stoats that avoided traps.
The report also found that not all mountains acted as barriers, but they could limit re-invasion.
Trapping along valley floors had proven effective and less labour-intensive, and traps became more cost-effective the longer they were left unattended.
The report also warned that effective rat-control tools were needed to protect small forest birds.
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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