Native birds get boost as pests targeted
Tui and bellbirds should see a lift in numbers in the Hakarimata Range near Ngaruawahia thanks to a joint pest control effort by Doc and Perry Resources.
Rodents in the Hakarimata Range are in for a shock when pest control takes effect in a bid to save local wildlife and prepare for transformation of the scenic reserve.
From June, bait stations will be used 75 m apart on the 195 ha of land, which includes 155 ha of Conservation Department (Doc) reserves and 40 ha of land owned by the Christian Youth Camp.
The move comes as part of an agreement between Doc and Perry Resources Ltd, which owns and runs the Waingaro Quarry.
Hakarimata Doc ranger John Gumbley said it was a condition of Perry’s newly acquired land consent for possible expansion of the quarry.
“Perry’s agreed to take control of the 80 hectares south of the Hakarimatas before they can move onto further projects involving their land consent,” said Mr Gumbley.
There was a need to increase the number of native birds such as the tui, kuku (native pigeon) and bellbird in suburban areas around the Hakarimata Reserve.
“The main goal is to maintain our many breeds of native birds, and we also want to monitor the native bat population,” said Mr Gumbley.
The area contains a nationally-threatened population of long-tailed bats, which Doc and the Hakarimata Trust have an interest in monitoring and protecting.
“We have no idea what the numbers are like, or what their habitat is like so we really need to see the rodents and possums taken care of so we can monitor that,” Mr Gumbley said.
Those involved in pest control have been to bat monitoring workshops run by Doc to ensure the safety of the public and the animals.
The pest control programme will largely control ship rats, while possums will also be targeted to make sure they do not interfere with the bait stations or traps. Mouse numbers around the bait traps are also expected to reduce.
