At our meeting on Monday 27th July, Shirley Calvert and Mary Hinsen gave the club an insight into the work they have been doing in our community, helping move Cromwell to a predator free environment. Their work over more than two years has included dealing with the various agencies involved, seeking funding, sourcing the necessary hardware and establishing the organisation required to make the activity sustainable. However, much of the emphasis has been on training and awareness initiatives. It has been necessary to make locals aware that there is a predator issue to be addressed. A wide range of activities beyond setting and managing traps are available for people willing to help.
Work identifying the type and location of the various predators is helping optimise the type, location, and preferred bait for the traps in use. Current statistics show an 84% success rate for the traps in use, with possum accounting for 50% of the predators eliminated with rats the second most common. With growing support, single traps can now be combined to form a ‘trap line’ as the result of cooperation between neighbouring properties.
Mary and Shirley made it clear they would welcome additional volunteers to help with the programme.
