Pest Free Banks Peninsula has set its target on removing possums from Akaroa – and they’re calling on residents and bach owners to help. Earlier this week, Mayor Phil Mauger, threw his support behind the campaign, agreeing to have a bait station set up on his property in Akaroa.
“Getting rid of possums from the Peninsula will bring environmental, recreational and economic benefits to the community”, he said. “I’m pleased to be helping out, and I encourage all property owners to get in touch with Pest Free Banks Peninsula to help them in their mission to rid the Peninsula of pests. It’s important we all play our part.”
Over the past two years, Pest Free Banks Peninsula (PFBP) has been systematically working its way across the Peninsula, removing pests such as possums, mustelids, feral cats and ungulates (e.g., goats and pigs). Working alongside communities and landowners, PFBP has removed thousands of pests and in doing so, helped support the rejuvenation and regeneration of indigenous animals and plants.
“We’ve had so much support from Peninsula communities for our elimination programme,” said project leader, Sarah Wilson. “It’s now time for Akaroa residents to join forces with us and help create a pest-free future for the Peninsula.”
The PFBP team is trying to contact as many property owners as possible so they can establish a network of bait stations and monitoring equipment across the township. It’s a difficult task given so many property owners don’t live permanently in the township.
“Akaroa is renowned for its natural environment, it’s one of the key reasons people have holiday homes there. Bach owners are a vital link in our network, and we need as many of them as possible to join the Possum Knockdown. The more properties we have in our network, the harder it will become for possums to navigate their way around town. Our team has the technical expertise to knockdown possums, now we need community support to make it happen.”
Whilst removing pests from urban settings has its challenges, particularly around keeping domestic animals safe, it has been successfully achieved in other communities. Predator Free Wellington has successfully eliminated possums and rats from the Miramar Peninsula, an area home to over 50,000 residents.
“We are conscious the Akaroa community may have concerns about the methods we’re using to remove possums and any potential impacts this may have for them. We will host drop-in sessions for people to ask us anything, and we have a range of resources available to help people understand and manage any risks,” said Wilson.