Huka Trapping April Update

As summer fades and autumn deepens, the bush is alive with signs of change, and for our trappers, that means a shift in pest activity. While March was decidedly a month for weasels, April has turned into the month of the rat. Reports are coming in from across the network of strong rat catches, and this increase in control seems to be having a positive effect, with more birdlife now being spotted along the cycle trails. It’s an encouraging reminder of why we do this work and the real impact our collective efforts are having on the local ecosystem.

We have had some reports of wasps nests along some of the trap lines. The ability to control these is important as we need to consider Health and Safety risks both for our trappers and cyclists using the tracks. We have missed the opportunity to control the source nests effectively this year, as permission from landowners is required for the use of the control product Vespex, so will pick this up early next season.

Finally our Stats are below

The graphs below show the capture rates across our three main trapping areas over the last 12 months. 

Over the last 30 days we have captured a total of 385 rats, 180 possums and 7 mustelids over our three trapping areas of Craters, Great Lake trails and Waikato River Corridor. 

The total pests caught since trapping began in 2018 is now at the magnificent number of 16,445 across multiple species, a significant reduction in challenge to our bird life throughout the area.

Craters Mountain Bike Park

Great Lake Trail

Waikato River Trails.

Volunteers

The Huka trapping group are looking for volunteers to help with running the trap lines. This wonderful group of people help out on a weekly basis, by checking the lines, rebaiting and recording any captures. We are always looking for more help. If you are interested, please contact Stu Hutchings on hukatrapping@biketaupo.org.nz or Mob: 0274787901