If you’re out for a wee bike ride along the Little River Rail Trail, you’ll notice our cool new signs…we have installed an Active Fence along there. It is designed to stop pest animals (hedgehogs, possums, stoats, weasels and ferrets) entering Kaitorete, which is home to some of New Zealand’s most precious native bird, lizard and plant species. A recent study has found that toxin-based predator control on Banks Peninsula is having a positive impact on the presence of our endemic tree wētā.
19 mm stainless mesh has been attached along three kms of the existing fence, from Prices Stream to Baileys Road. Two electrified wires will provide a further ‘not wanted’ jolt to any unwelcome visitors.
Trail cameras will monitor the area, providing evidence of whether predators are deterred or not. There will also be trapping on the protected side of the fence to see if any intruders are able to navigate their way through or over the fence. Our detection dogs will also be used as the final wall of protection.
Local landowners have supported the trial by allowing us to use the existing fence; this has ensured the trial is very cost effective. Signage has been installed to alert Rail Trail users, as well as information provided to the local community.
Impact: The fence is designed to keep out pest animals (hedgehogs, possums, feral cats, stoats, weasels and ferrets) entering Kaitorete, which is home to some of New Zealand’s most precious native bird, lizard and plant species.
For the last two-month period we have removed:
137 hedgehogs (15 with the detection dogs)
23 cats (1 with the dogs; 22 trapped)
11 Weasels
2 stoats
