The Halo Project has had a major win with a network of stoat traps now covering its full operational area.

Thanks to the hard work of staff and volunteers, more than 1,600 traps have been deployed across 12,500 hectares between Flagstaff, Waitati and Aramoana. The traps are spaced at an average density of one trap per 7.6 hectares and the team hopes to see the stoat population drop by 90% or more.

Stoats were introduced to New Zealand in 1884 in an attempt to control rabbits and hares. However, this plan backfired as the animals quickly turned their attention to native birds, insects and lizards. With their excellent eyesight, sense of smell, and hearing, stoats are exceptional hunters. Given the lack of ground-based predators, our native species didn’t stand a chance.

The completion of this huge trap network is great news for native biodiversity in the area — especially birds, insects and lizards. The area is home to a wide range of native taonga species such as kakurawai (South Island robin), kārearea (New Zealand falcon) and South Island kākā. Orokonui Ecosanctuary continues to provide a safe haven for many species, but this network of stoat traps means they will now be able to find safe haven beyond the fence.

This major win would not be possible without the help and support of our volunteers who will continue to check and maintain these trap lines. Thank you!

Possum trap trial extended

The Halo Project has also installed 117 automated traps across 2,200 hectares east of Orokonui Ecosanctuary. The self-resetting AT220 trap targets possums and rats, operating for up to 6 months and resetting 100 times.

This follows an initial trial of the AT220 to answer some practical questions about the trap with the biggest one being whether it poses a risk to inquisitive kākā. All going well, the AT220 will be rolled out as part of a low-maintenance trap network to succeed OSPRI’s landscape-scale possum operations across the full operational area of 12,500 hectares!