Predator Control

Our predator trapping project started in 2006 with the original two traplines set along the Moonlight and Croesus tracks.

We’ve come a long way since then, slowly expanding our trapping efforts as funding and support has become available.  The PWT currently undertakes ground-based, landscape-scale predator control with 2,400 DOC150 and DOC200 stainless steel traps inside custom built boxes across more than 17,000ha of the Paparoa Range between Rocky Creek and Pike Stream.  This primarily targets stoats for the protection of two key threatened species, roroa and whio, with other remnant species including kea, kaka and kārearea/New Zealand falcon also benefitting.

Secondary control of rats and weasels also helps protect species including Powelliphanta gagei (snails) and South Island robin. 

To maximise protection, all traps must be functioning and checked frequently during the period when our threatened species are breeding and most vulnerable, and when trap catch is typically at its highest.  This is over the spring/summer seasons from September through February when traps are checked monthly by a dedicated team of contractors and volunteers. 

All catch data is uploaded via the smartphone app, Trap.NZ, to the trap catch database for analysis.

We recently joined forces with the Motukiekie Wilderness Trust and the Rainy Creek Ecological Restoration Trust to work more efficiently and effectively in our combined operational areas. Thanks to Development West Coast and NBS for supporting this collaboration.

Read our collaboration story on westcoast.co.nz

Paparoa Predator Control Partnership Attracts Funding to Preserve Natural Biodiversity

Want to set up your own backyard trap or trap line?

We build our own traps using H4 treated timber and stainless steel fittings, including the CMI Springs DOC150 trap. Our trap boxes are designed slightly longer than the DOC ‘standard’ design to ensure they are fully weka proof and the addition of an extra screw securing the lid makes them kea proof.

If you’d like to purchase a trap for your backyard, or traps to set up your own trap line, please contact us and we can provide further information and pricing.