A two-day introduction to predator trapping methods workshop has been developed by Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and the Department of Conservation.
The workshop can be delivered to students throughout New Zealand and focuses on rats, stoats and possums, and educates students about the problem these predators pose to native species and includes technical information and advice on creating and implementing an effective predator control plan.
It also focuses on monitoring the all-important results. At the same time a Predator Free 2050 Online Community Toolkit developed by DOC was also launched and is available through DOC’s website.
The development of the workshop was announced by Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage. “New Zealanders love our unique native forests and plants and species like kiwi, kaka, kakariki and whio and want to protect them,” Sage said. “This course will make it easier for groups who want to help combat our predator crisis, where 82 per cent of native birds are threatened or at risk of extinction.
“While it’s a relatively simple action to set up a trap in your backyard, establishing an effective and ongoing trapping programme requires more technical know-how and the Department of Conservation is focused on providing practical support to assist people and communities in gaining these skills.”
NMIT chief executive Liam Sloan said the institute is committed to supporting the Predator Free 2050 initiative. “NMIT and DOC have a unique relationship we are proud of,” Sloan said. “We are proud to be an ambassador for predator free 2050.”
This story is sponsored content provided by Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
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