DSC_1718 Stoat (Mustela erminea) trapping. Monitoring and maintaining extensive stoat trapping networks over rugged terrain is particularly time-consuming and expensive. Small 'celium nodes' attached to the sides of wooden trap boxes, and communicating through solar powered 'celium hubs' may allow future wildlife managers to automatically monitor trapping success from the office. This wireless sensor network is being developed by Simon Croft of ‘Encounter Solutions’. Photographed above Thompson Sound, Fiordland for Predator Free 2050 Ltd *
IMG_1617 Stoat (Mustela erminea) trapping for predators. Andrew Penniket coordinates a group of volunteers who assist with 'predator control' in Aspiring National Park. They use DOC 250 predator traps, re-baited monthly with hen's eggs, and placed in wooden tunnels to catch stoats, and weasels in particular. Such trapping benefits 'crevice nesting' forest birds, like yellowhead, parakeet and rifleman, which are all present in reasonable numbers in this area. Makarora Valley *
DSC_6655 Stoat (Mustela erminea) trapping for predators. Mike Camm coordinates a group of Northland landowners who all keep their properties 'predator free' through the use of Fenn Mk IV traps placed in wooden tunnels to catch stoats, ferrets, and weasels. Trapping benefits local ground nesting birds such as vulnerable brown teal, and Northland brown kiwi *
