Conservation trapping workshop coming to Rotorua

Department of Conservation and volunteers getting rat traps ready. Photo / Supplied

A two-day trapping course is coming to Rotorua with the goal of teaching the community skills of predator control.

A workshop focused on predator trapping methods has invited conservationists, environmentalists and people wanting to upskill in predator control.

The course, Introduction to Predator Trapping Methods, is on May 21 and 22. It is aimed at anyone setting up new predator control programmes or wishing to review their current programme.

The course is facilitated by Beth Endres who manages conservation programmes delivered in partnership by the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and Department of Conservation (DoC).

DoC supervisor Caraline Abbott said the department provided free online courses to develop field skills on its website but the course would teach people how to use a range of technological systems and techniques.

"To have a workshop on trapping methods being delivered locally is a great opportunity to gain some practical skills to support ecology."

At the end of the course, participants are said to be able to support conservation and contribute to sustainable stewardship of the environment.

"Trapping is an important part of conservation and in the right conditions traps are a great tool in the pest control toolbox," Abbott said.

The details
- What: Introduction to Predator Trapping Methods
- When: May 21 and 22
- Where: Hell's Gate, Tikitere
- Cost: $154
Register at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology website.