FAQ
Predator Free 2050
What is "Predator Free 2050"?
Launched in 2020, this nationwide strategy was developed with input from iwi, hapū, conservation experts, and people involved in the Predator Free movement.
Why do we want to be predator free?
Native taonga in Aotearoa evolved separately from the rest of the world, without the need to defend themselves against manu-loving mammals. Fast forward millions of years–our ngahere is now overrun by introduced predators (rats, mice, possums, stoats etc.) that kill an estimated 25 million native manu each year! Some 4,000 native species are threatened or at risk of extinction–one of the highest proportions in the world.
How will Aotearoa New Zealand become predator free?
Intensive predator control gives taonga the best chance of survival! The Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project includes eight iwi-hāpu led predator control groups working to remove these predators and restore the mauri of the Kaimai Mamaku Ranges. There are another 30+ community groups working to remove predators in the wider Bay of Plenty!
What does "predator control" consist of?
There are two main predator control methods used in the Kaimai Mamaku - toxins and traps. Some groups will use both methods, some only one. The best solution depends on the terrain, budget and resources.
Toxin Operations
What is a Toxin Operation?
In areas where trapping alone isn’t enough, carefully managed toxin operations help remove kaiwhakangaro (predators) like possums, rats, and stoats.
There are three main ways to complete a toxin op:
Ground-based bait stations that hold biodegradable toxin pellets that predators feed on.
Aerial drops that spread biodegradable toxin pellets over large, rugged areas via aircraft.
Hand-laying toxin-laced bait directly into burrows and feeding zones.
What toxin operations does the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project use?
The Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project consists of eight iwi-hapū-led pest control projects working in the conservation park. Five of these groups use, have used or are planning to use, ground-based toxins in a total 10,000 hectare project area.
What is a ground-based toxin operation?
A grid of ground-based bait stations is carefully planned and installed by kaimahi. These bait-stations are specifically designed to target pests and minimise the spread of toxins in the environment and to avoid non-target species. Once the grid is installed, kaimahi will lay two-rounds of pre-feed (encourage the critters to feed from the bait stations), then the bait (the toxins that kills the pests), then collect all unused bait back. These operations follow strict safety guidelines to protect the mauri o te whenua.
What toxins are used in the Kaimai Mamaku during a ground-based toxin operation?
Each Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project makes a decision on what is the best option for them and their whenua, but the most popular toxins are pindone, cyanide and double tap.
How do I know where toxins are being used?
Before you enter the ngahere, check for signage. Every project is legally required to advise track users of the type of toxin used, the date of application and any restrictions.
Monitoring
How does MKMT know pest control efforts are working?
One way is through "tracking tunnels". They're a standard tool in conservation efforts due to their reliability and ability to provide valuable data on pest presence.
What are they, and how do they work?
An ink pad and a tasty lure are placed inside a tunnel. The tunnel is then left in the ngahere for 24 hours. Curious creatures like rats, mice and stoats walk through the tunnel to eat the lure, leaving behind their tiny footprints. This simple yet effective method gives us crucial insights into pest activity, helping us protect our precious taonga species.
Trapping
What is Ground-Based Trapping?
Using traps to humanely kill target pest species (like rats, stoats and possums) as we head toward a Predator Free 2050. Yes, exactly like the mouse traps you use at home. Traps are designed to only catch these target species and minimise the possibility of catching other species, known as "by-kill".
How does it work?
First, a team undertakes monitoring to identify what pest species they have in their project area (remember we learnt about tracking tunnels?). Then, a trap network is designed, and installed, in line with Department of Conservation's best practice guide. It sounds easy but it's not. Each trap must be physically carried into the bush - which is often kilometres away from any car park on steep slopes with no cleared tracks!
What traps are used?
It depends on the predator and landscape, but some popular options are:
Victor rat traps in a wooden box to stop any by-catch or by-kill - they're affordable and easy to set
Sentinel Possum Kill Traps - a lightweight trap that features a clever mechanism to stop any other pests eating the bait
Self-setting automatic traps such as GoodNature A24 and NZ AutoTrap AT220 - these traps reset and refill themselves which is important for teams in tough terrain who can't get to their traps as easily
There are many others too, some now featuring AI trained to identify and kill target species.
When, and why, is trapping used?
Traps can be a good alternative for situations where toxins are inappropriate (e.g. near people’s houses or pets). It's also a great option for volunteer-led projects as they don't require targeted training and permits like toxin operations do. Trapping does require a huge labour commitment though, non-resetting traps have to be checked regularly because once they have gone off, nothing more can be caught!
Pros and cons of trapping
Pros
Highly targeted – minimal risk to native species
Safer for use around people and pets
Cons
Labour-intensive, therefore more expensive as traps need regular checking
Less cost-effective in rugged, large-scale areas compared to toxins.
