Predator Trap Library

The Pūharakekenui Styx Trap Library is now open for people living in the catchment area to borrow traps from. As we have started talking to landowners about restoration along the Pūharakekenui / Styx River, the issue of predators often comes up and people are keen to do their part to control them and support the goal of Predator Free 2050. We are aiming to promote pest animal control, protect biodiversity, connect people with their communities and the Trust, and reduce pest animal numbers.

The trap library is open the last Thursday of every month (except December) from 9am to 12pm. If you would like to use it outside of these hours contact Anita (anita@thestyx.nz or 0220773997).

The primary pests we are targeting are possums, stoats, ferrets, weasels and rats. All of the traps available have undergone rigorous testing and have passed the standards set by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. The trap library is being run as part of Project Kōtare which is funded by the Ministry for the Environment to restore the Pūharakekenui catchment by working with communities and businesses.

How the pest trap library will work:

• traps can be loaned for an initial 3 months, with a right to renew traps for a further 3 months.
• If after 6 months trap catches are still being recorded, proving the traps are being used, then the loan can be extended again.
• If after 3 or 6 months traps are not being used we ask people to return the traps clean and in good working order
• At the end of the loan traps can be purchased at a discount

A demonstration on how the trap works will be given, and information about how to safely trap for pests and bait recommendations and trapping tips will be provided.