Trap Library East Auckland runs a project aimed at trapping mustelids - stoats, ferrets and weasels. These animals are all voracious predators of our native fauna, and additionally stoats are also extremely strong swimmers. Our Mustelid Control Zone project extends around the shoreline of Howick Ward from Half Moon Bay to Shelly Bay and up the Mangemangeroa Valley to Point View Reserve. With your help we would like to extend the zone further, through Ormiston, Flat Bush, and into Murphys Bush.
The role involves the servicing of a number of DOC200 traps, generally located on individual properties, where the owner has agreed to host a trap. We group the traps by suburb and you will generally be looking after about a dozen traps withing a radius of a few km.
DOC200 traps are powerful kill traps and our target is stoats and ferrets. Rats and hedgehogs are the most common catches in our traps. You must be comfortable with handling dead animals, often in a state of decay. We provide you with training in how to safely set, clear and service the traps and dispose of the carcasses.
At each property you will be carrying a light bag or backpack with tools, lures and PPE, Distances vary and are not excessive, but a moderate degree of fitness is recommended.
You must provide your own transport to travel between properties.
Timing of the trap visits is absolutely flexible and the commitment we are looking for is a couple of half-days per month. But if you want to do more we can definitely oblige by giving you multiple areas to look after.