PFWT - Do you get much Rain in Spring?

Predator Free Waitakere Township News

Hi <<First Name>>

Welcome to the Newsletter for August 2021.

Wow how was that rain on Monday night, I wouldn't be surprised if some of my Rat traps are in the harbor by the weekend. Hope you guys all came through it safe and sound.

Spring is in the air, new lambs are jumping in the fields and the birds are trying to keep their eggs and chicks away from the Rats and Possums.

We are doing our bit by removing rats out of the trees, the group removed ninety Rats this month. Great work to everyone that is doing the Mahi.

Last month as a group we removed 107 Predators from the Waitakere Area, this is the most we have ever removed. It just shows you if a community works together we can make a difference for the Native Birds. Well done!!!

PFWA Hui - Coastal Birds Celebration

On August 22 we were meant to go along to the PFWA hui about sea birds. This wasn't possible due to the Covid Level 4 lockdown. The PFWA are hoping to reschedule this event when things return to normal.

Is Aniseed Possum Lure Any Good?

Possum Hunters are always looking for new Lures to attract Possums to their trap sets. We check out if adding Aniseed oil to your Lure helps.

Check out this video HERE

The Great Kererū Count

The Great Kererū Count is NZ’s biggest citizen science project to help gather information on the abundance and distribution of the New Zealand pigeon — also known as kererū, kūkū or kūkupa.

Everyone in New Zealand can get involved with the Great Kererū Count, whether you see any kererū or not, sharing your observations with us will help build up a clearer picture of where the kererū live, how many there are and what they are feeding on.

Get involved HERE, Starts 17 Sep and Lock-down friendly.

Last Months Results

Well the group broke two milestones this month, we reached 100 Possums removed and 200 Rats. Great effort everyone!!

Big thanks to these group members that recorded their trap successes this month on trap.nz. The native birds and the environment thank you.

DBainbridge, bucketcandle, waitakdan, Jdiesh, Markdronjak, greghoskins89, Jude Jujnovich, stefan.marks, tjsworldnz, CazzaP, Rozzy1, Wak Trapper, Laelia Lodge and lindastorey11

*The names here is from the 'Installed by' field on the trap records*

We had 14 active trappers last month, if you want to get involved register your traps on trap.nz and set your traps.

Waitakere Township Leader board

Who are the best trappers in the Waitakere Township area, Check out the Leader Board HERE

*The names here are from the "Installed By" field on the trap record on trap.nz.*

Monthly Trapper Tip - Attracting predators to your trap

When a predator finds something interesting on his wanders, he finds a smell he likes, he might eat it and then look for more.

This has been the case since I started placing the stick I use to get to the bait from the jar (usually peanut butter) near the trap.

I think the smell attracts them, it works for me. Example photo Here this trap caught a possum two days later and the stick was licked clean.

HERE is a photo

End of the Line

Well we have now been in lockdown for 15 days, so stay safe everyone and if you can please go for a walk and check those traps.

Have a great Trapping month and be safe out there.

Gary Fawcett "Wak Trapper"
Predator Free Waitakere Township