Trapping app to help everyone become a conservationist

Backyard pest trappers can now indulge their competitive sides with a new app launched for Conservation Week.

The app allows users to tally their pest kills and compare to their neighbours and the New Zealand average in an "engaging, fun and efficient" way.

"We are seeing the democratisation of conservation in New Zealand, which is hugely powerful and it means this is one of the most exciting times ever for conservation in this country. We are leading the world in this area," said Robbie van Dam, co-founder and director of Goodnature, the company which designed the app.

"Twenty years ago, conservation was primarily the preserve of niche expert groups - environmentalists, scientists and policy makers. Today, we are seeing individuals from all walks of life being really passionate about conservation and the predator free vision.

"This is both hugely exciting and essential to our collective success. Our app is designed to better enable backyard trappers to have a more fun, efficient and effective conservation experience."

The GPS-enabled app is designed for backyard trappers who use Goodnature self-resetting traps on their property and want to know how their traps are contributing to predator control efforts locally and nationally.

Users can see their own trap strike tally, the number of strikes within a 5km radius, and the total tally across New Zealand.

The app also reminds users when it's time to replace their CO2 canisters and lure.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) estimates about 25 million native birds are killed by predators each year. Introduced pests like rats, stoats and possums, are a major threat to New Zealand's native species and controlling them is essential for the survival of our native plants and animals.

DOC community ranger Angus Hulme-Moir said predator trapping in backyards is going off all around NZ.

"Tools which help to engage people and keep them involved are really useful. And connecting the work of individuals to the greater story is critical to helping to create and sustain the predator free movement."

This year's Conservation Week encourages Kiwis to get involved in activities either in their own or New Zealand's backyard. People can get involved by taking part in community and home activities like planting, predator trapping, picking up litter, removing invasive weeds and learning how to attract birds and other wildlife to the garden.