Extensive possum control is carried out throughout
the Waimate North and Upper Waitangi River Catchment.
Possum control with the aim of achieving 5% RTC
(Residual Trap Catch) across the entire area will
continue to be undertaken primarily by poisoning,
supplemented with trapping and shooting. Specific
methods of control vary according to the preference of
individual landowners. Night shooting is still
considered effective in areas of open farmland. This is
supplemented with the use of toxins and traps as required.
The Trust undertakes physical monitoring of trees each year to monitor possum browse and forest health. Kohekohe trees are especially monitored as they are favoured by possums and therefore are a good indicator species. The data is recorded in both chart form and photographically.
The Trust also carries out wax tag monitoring. Wax tags (blocks) are laid out in a specific pattern and the number of bites are recorded and compared with previous years. For the wax tag monitoring report click here.
To view slideshows of trees monitored for possum browse through the years