Pack a trap and kill pests, councils tell holidaymakers

Holidaymakers heading off to enjoy the summer would be wise to include some pest traps among their boogie boards and other recreational gear, says a regional council.

Northland Regional Council's Kaitaia-based pest management officer, Michael Knight, said that with the breeding season for birds in full swing and an abundance of food, now is an ideal time to trap mustelids (ferrets, stoats and weasels).

These pests wreak havoc on many bird populations - stoats are reported to kill up to 60 per cent of all North Island kiwi chicks, which are most vulnerable until they weigh about 900g at eight months old.

Mr Knight said that being small, secretive and fast-moving, mustelids could be difficult to observe in the wild, but one of the characteristics of a mustelid kill was the presence of two droplets of blood on the back of its prey's head or neck.

Ferrets are the largest member of the mustelid family, growing to between 48cm and 56cm. The stoat measures 34cm to 40cm and can be recognised by a longer tail with a characteristic black tip. The weasel grows to between 20cm and 25cm.

Mr Knight said a large range of traps were available to either kill or capture the pests live.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 live traps must be inspected every day within 12 hours of sunrise. Bait including fish, fresh rabbit or fish-flavoured cat food could be used.

- NZPA