Working towards a Predator Free NZ
Keeping your backyard wildlife safe from predators is critical when providing space for nature. Traps for predators are widely available and easy to use, but first you need to work out what predators may be present in your garden.
New Zealand is progressing towards an ambitious goal of eradicating rats, stoats and possums by 2050! Country wide, community groups, iwi/hapu groups, and private landowners are all working towards the Predator Free Vision. Locally, Predator Free Bay of Plenty was set up in 2018 with the goal of one trap in every fifth backyard across Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga City. In addition, there are many other local trapping initiatives being set up in local reserves and conservation areas that you can get involved in.
Target predators
Depending on where you are situated, there are likely to be a range of predators who visit your backyard - mostly at night!
It is useful to find out what predators are present before putting traps out, to ensure you are using the right trap and lures. You can use tracking tunnels, wax tags and chew cards to find out who might be lurking in your garden!
Rats, mice, hedgehogs and possums are likely to be the most common predators in urban backyards; unless you back on to reserve areas or large open spaces. We've identified some of the key predators and explained their impacts here.
Rats and Hedgehogs
Possums, Stoats and Mustelids
Mice and Feral Cats
Trapping in your Backyard
Rats
Through Predator Free Bay of Plenty (PFBOP), residents of Tauranga and Western Bay can receive one free rat trap for their backyard. Join the team of 5000 trapping in their backyards! There are community leaders in most suburbs who assist the project with the distribution of traps.
The trap is housed in a wooden tunnel which keeps birds and pets out; and ensures the rat is killed humanely. For best results:
- Set the trap using a lure such as peanut butter (unsalted + crunchy is best!), chocolate, or bacon, or nuts such as walnuts.
- Place the trap along a fence, near your compost bin, or where you think rats could be inhabiting.
- Check it and rebait every week throughout the year.
- Log your catches with PFBOP so they can monitor the success of the project!
- Bury any catches in your garden.
The Space for Nature team can connect you with your local community champion, or we can make sure you get one with your Space for Nature membership pack.
Think about what habitat and food sources might be available to rats in your backyard. You can:
- Rat proof your compost bin with chicken wire.
- Monitor any piles of materials or dense habitat (which may be intended for wildlife!) for signs of rats nesting.
Other Predators
The Bay of Plenty Trap Libraries initiative now has traps that you can borrow from:
- Whakamarama
- Waihῑ Beach
- Tauranga City (Covering Tauranga and parts of the Western Bay)
- More are on there way!
Just like a library for books, you can borrow a trap for up to 3 months for other predators such as possums, stoats, ferrets and hedgehogs. Find all the info on the Predator Free BOP website.
You can also purchase traps online or at your local hardware store.