Over the last two years, the community group Pest Free Ōwairaka has been working towards the goal of enhancing the natural habitat for native species in the local area with the support of Albert-Eden Local Board.
Focusing on 2,000,000 square meters around the maunga, the group coordinate efforts with public and private landowners to remove the most damaging introduced pest plants and animals.
“If we want a greater diversity of native birds in our neighbourhood there are two things every household can do; trap rats and plant more natives,” says Stefan Rüegg, spokesperson for Pest Free Ōwairaka.
Around 200 people have joined the group to trap pests such as rats in their backyards. These combined efforts are making a difference as it significantly reduces the rat population across a whole ecosystem and is not limited to the boundaries of each property.
Trapping is done in pulses during the months of August, November, January and April in line with the rat life cycle.
At the beginning of winter, people often see more rats for two reasons. The rat population reaches its peak in late summer, being the main breeding season. Towards winter, they seek shelter and are more often seen in or near houses. With natural food sources getting more scarce, peanut butter becomes an even more attractive lure than in other times of the year, which increases catch rates.
Albert-Eden Local Board Chair Peter Haynes says, “Congratulations to Stefan and the volunteers who have made this happen, and to all those who have joined in to catch rats in their backyards. It’s a truly wonderful gift for the community and our environment.”
The local board has supported this initiative by funding traps for residents who commit to backyard trapping.
Get involved
Help protect native flora and fauna in your local area.
