Wakatipu Wildlife Trust aims to make Lake Hayes pest free

The success of trapping operations for pests such as stoats has been described as "fantastic''.

A Queenstown trust established last year to help create a "predator-free paradise'' around the wider Wakatipu is zeroing in on Lake Hayes.

The Wakatipu Wildlife Trust's focus for this year was to help new trapping groups get started to fill the gaps in conservation projects around the region aimed at restoring birdsong.

New Zealand's native birds are threatened by introduced predators such as rats, stoats and possums, and those around Lake Hayes are no exception.

Trust committee member David Penrose, of Queenstown, said there were already about 20 trapping groups established in the Wakatipu and their success rate had been "fantastic''.

"The success rate so far in terms of trapping for stoats and ferrets and rodents, it's really made a difference, and it's really rejuvenating birdlife around the district.''

Mr Penrose said in the last two years stoats and ferrets had become ``prevalent'' around Lake Hayes.

The pests had a voracious appetite and targeted tuis, bellbirds, fantails and grebes on a daily basis.

The trust hoped to eradicate the predatory mammals ``and hopefully bring back a bit of quiet enjoyment for people in the area'', Mr Penrose said.

It was expected about 10 traps, provided by the trust, would be set up off the Lake Hayes track in "discreet locations'' to ensure they did not affect the public.

Volunteers were required to monitor the traps, remove pests from them and re-set them again, he said.

Anyone interested in volunteering could attend a trapping information evening at the Lake Hayes Pavilion, which begins at 7.30pm tomorrow.

Those interested in attending can email hello@wakatipuwildlifetrust.co.nz.

tracey.roxburgh@odt.co.nz