Predator Free Kids
Our Predator Free Taupo Kids team had fun learning about our introduced pests and predators, making tracking tunnels and building traps over the past few weeks. The tamariki learnt about why we monitor predators using tracking tunnels, chew cards and cameras, and they learnt how to identify the prints from tracking tunnels. They enjoyed looking at the prints collected on Mt Tauhara and trying to identify them.
The students then constructed trap boxes, installed T-Rex rat traps, and set them up around the planting site. The team will take turns checking the traps and refreshing the lure. Great job, everyone!
Whilst everyone was busy trap building, Robyn from Predator Free Taupō took a handful of students who had done trap building previously to check one of the nearby traplines with good results: 4 rats and 3 mice.
Inspired by this great learning some of our students were busy the following weekend constructing their own tunnels and traps to use at home. Thea sent us this photo of the tracking tunnel and trap box that she made at home. She’s going to put them both by the stream. We can’t wait to hear how they go!
Other students have been checking the trapline at Spa Park and have already caught 3 rats in the first week!
