Positive results from a recent study affirm the benefits of possum control intended to reduce populations of the bovine tuberculosis (TB) vector in the Flagstaff-Mt Cargill area. Possums are a major source of TB infection in livestock and need to be reduced to very low levels over multiple years to protect livestock and eradicate the disease.

It’s standard practice to monitor forest health alongside possum control, to show whether or not the level of control is effective. The Halo Project commissioned a resurvey of forest health, four years after the start of OSPRI’s possum control operation, and it shows that forest canopy health has improved.

The new techniques for assessing tree health employed in this resurvey will be detailed in Halo’s next newsletter, due out at the end of July. Visit the Halo Project website to subscribe to the newsletter.

Backyard trapping goes hand-in-hand with rural pest control operations. Backyard trapping reduces the area that possums and rats can take refuge in, which improves the effectiveness of control across the landscape. Importantly, for residents, it protects fruit trees and vege gardens, keeps rainwater supplies clean, chickens and pets safe, and allows native birds and lizards to spread and thrive.

From July, the Halo Project Team start predator control operations in West Harbour residential areas, from Roseneath to Ravensbourne. Residents will receive chew cards and information about how to get involved in trapping over the coming months. Residents can host a Halo possum trap, purchase discounted rat traps, and get involved in volunteer trapping in local parks and reserves. The team provides training and ongoing support for everyone who wants to be involved.

As with rural predator control operations, residential predator control effectiveness is monitored, but in this case with chew cards, prior and subsequent to the start of trapping.

Halo’s aim is to inspire and work with their communities to enhance, protect and connect with this landscape. Reducing and maintaining low possum and mustelid numbers (stoats, ferrets, weasels) gives native plants and animals (our taoka) the opportunity to thrive.