Palmerston North seeks predator-free status to increase native birdlife

There are already active capture groups in peripheral rural areas, but none in residential areas of the city itself.

“We’re starting slowly so we can get the system right before we hit larger areas of the city,” he said.

“The goal is to make our native bird life more prolific.”

The model has worked before. Miramar has been declared predator-free and local residents have observed a dramatic increase in native birdlife in the area.

The Palmerston North-based group modeled its plan on Operation Miramar, initially targeting a specific area of ​​the city, rather than a blanket approach across all of Palmerston North, to start small before branching out to larger areas.

“We were inspired by Predator Free Miramar and particularly by the fact that the enthusiasm of this group is providing great encouragement far beyond Miramar, all the way to the Wellington suburbs,” he said.

The initial target area is a city block in the area of ​​Fitzherbert Avenue, Te Awe Awe Street and Pahiatua Street, capturing a large section of the Manawatū River.

The group identified ideal locations for 18 traps adjacent to a footbridge along the Manawatū River from Fitzherbert Bridge to Albert St. The traps had already been installed and routinely monitored.

“Given that it is well accepted that areas of biodiversity provide a natural habitat for rats, we delivered 20 traps to Manawatū Golf Club. The club agreed to place and monitor the traps and record the catches,” he said.

They have already made 100 traps which will soon be installed at designated locations in the target area. Note: The traps were not dangerous to pets.

The group was able to self-fund and make a safe and effective trap for $11 through donated materials. There was enough wood to make another 140 traps, but they will need more.

Advice received from Trap NZ was on recommended spacings of 75m, therefore around 500 traps would be required in the target area.

The plan was to develop working relationships with the property owners who care for the traps. Several owners were already on board and supporting the initiative.

“As public awareness of our goal grows and as we build more traps, we can seek publicity, not only from property owners who want traps placed on their properties, but also from people and organizations who can support us with financing and materials such as wood fencing,” Hart said.

The club is about to release leaflets informing the public and local residents about the plan.

Janine Hearn, community funding advisor at the Predator Free New Zealand Trust, said twice a year it selects prominent predator-free communities across the country and provides funding for humane capture materials, ongoing support, information and advice.

“We are inundated with applications every year. It’s proof that Kiwis are eager to remove predators from their neighborhoods to give native birds, insects and lizards a chance,” she said.

“It is not an individual mission, it requires the union of an entire community. The Lions Club in Palmy has extensive experience with other projects and in mobilizing its community, so we know that the predator-free spirit is in good hands.”

“We also try to connect the dots in the predator-free puzzle. We will need every town and city in New Zealand to get involved in the ambitious predator-free movement.”

“The backyard booby trap scene in Palmerston North needed a shot in the arm. Our funding, combined with the passion of the Lions, is the perfect solution. It’s inspiring to see residents stepping up to protect vulnerable species and nature that really need our help.”

The Lions Club has over 50 members and has been active in the Manawatū community since 1968. There are 300 Lions Clubs in New Zealand, with a total membership of 8,000.

The club hoped that if the program was successful, other clubs would follow suit. Hart said enthusiasm for the cause was contagious and he hoped other towns such as Ashhurst, Foxton or Marton would be inspired to adopt similar programmes. and become predator free.

“Miramar inspired us.”