Wairere Mahi says haere rā to pest animals
After an extensive two-month bait laying operation the results are in... rat tunnel tracking is down to zero percent!
Mohi Korohina, Project Manager, says inviting the rats and possums in for a kai haakari first was imperative for this epic result.
"I actually can't believe that we were able to achieve this result being the first time ever. Our process was two rounds of pre-feed and then a round of Double Tap (one week each round). There has never been any pest control in this area, so doing the pre-feed invited the pests in for a paati and they invited their whanaunga as well".
This isn't the end for the tīma, Mohi says they will continue the hard mahi and keep engaging with other iwi roopu and volunteers.
"This is very important, as project areas expand, to allow sharing of mātauranga and resources. Kia hāpai tētahi ki tētahi kia puawai ngā hua o te Wao Tapu Nui ā Taane te Waiora, Taane te pūkenga, Taane a Rangi raua ko Papatuānuku".
Full results from the 500-ha block near Te Tuhi track
Tracking tunnel cards for rats (pictured below):
Pre toxin: 75%
Post toxin: 0%
Leg hold traps for possums:
Pre toxin: 24%
Post toxin: 10%
