It’s now easier for the community to join the fight to protect native bird species.
Howick ward residents can now borrow pest traps from a newly established ‘Trap Library’ to help rid the ward of unwanted rodents.
The Trap Library is a culmination of 12 months work by Pakuranga Rotary and several other local organisations, to increase native bird numbers across the Howick Ward.
The warm autumn and abundance of feed has produced large numbers of rats in the area which, if left uncontrolled, will feed on birds’ eggs and chicks once spring arrives.
An electronic registering system has been set up to monitor not only who has the traps but to record catches.
This week a group of Rotarians from the Pakuranga Tamaki River Auxiliary got to work labelling and numbering 400 rat, possum and stout traps so they were ready to loan out.
Rotarian Sylvie Wilkinson says it is encouraging to see community groups working towards a common goal to preserve precious wildlife for future generations.
Sylvie’s trap, set in her own Pakuranga garden, has caught 13 rats since September last year which she says is a clear indication that these predators are unseen but certainly active.
Anyone interested in managing a trap or assisting in another way should email Joe on traplibraryeastauckland@gmal.com
- Traps will be available at the Howick Eco Day, Picton Street on Saturday the June 29, from 9am.
