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_2025 Okarito brown kiwi, or rowi (Apteryx rowi) DoC officer Duncan Kay removing a bird from its burrow to replace the battery on its transmitter *
DSC_1173 Okarito brown kiwi, or rowi (Apteryx rowi) DoC officer Duncan Kay with bird with white markings on head *