Cash up for grabs for predator control

Ferrets trapped by Mike Vincent and Mike Goodwin. SUPPLIED

Rotorua predator control projects have the chance to win $2500 for providing information on their work to Predator Free NZ.

The cash prize will be awarded to an established predator control group or entity that provides details of its location and target species before May 22.

"Across New Zealand community groups, hapu/iwi and private landowners make a huge contribution to predator control," said Partnerships Ranger Caraline Abbott.

"This is an opportunity for their hard work to be marked on a map so that Rotorua can be represented on a national map of predator control.

"Locally we've seen great results produced from landowners and groups who have dedicated themselves to controlling predators that have the potential to decimate native bird populations and destroy native forests."

Recently, likeminded individuals from the Okere Falls community met to discuss predator control options with a view of protecting threatened North Island Dabchick populations in Lake Rotoiti. Their work will complement predator control currently being completed by groups and individuals in the Okareka and Tarawera area.

In the past 18 months, Mike Vincent along with Landcare Okareka has caught 300 rats, 40 hedgehogs, two feral cats and 22 ferrets using a strategic trapping network. Together with pest control as part of the Tikitapu Mistletoe Project (managed by Rotorua Forest and Bird) and the Tarawera Pest Control group, the threat of predation to native birds has been decreased.

"The ferrets have been prolific this year and we have dispatched 22. Last year we only caught two," Mr Vincent said.

The Predator Free NZ prize money can be spent on further predator control work including trapping and monitoring. The winner will be announced on May 26.

To register predator control activity visit www.predatorfreenz.org.