Pest Trapping Initiative in The Grove.

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Golden Bay, Project De-Vine is spearheading a trapping project aimed at controlling to a high level, and maybe someday eradicating, invasive species and safeguarding the native flora and fauna of The Grove Scenic Reserve. With a vision to create a thriving and balanced ecosystem, this initiative targets notorious invasive species like stoats, rats, possums, and others that threaten the region’s delicate ecological balance. By strategically deploying various traps and regular monitoring, Project De-Vine aims to curb the invasive populations and allow the area’s natural biodiversity to thrive.
Understanding the Threat

Invasive species have significantly challenged New Zealand’s native wildlife since humans arrived. The Grove Scenic Reserve in Golden Bay is no exception. Introduced predators, such as stoats, rats, possums, and others, have wreaked havoc on the local birdlife, insects, and plant species. Their presence has led to a decline in the populations of native species and disrupted the ecological harmony that once defined this beautiful area.
Enter Project De-Vine

Project De-Vine is a collaborative effort involving our team of dedicated conservationists, local property owners, and concerned community members. With a shared mission to preserve Golden Bay’s natural heritage, the project took shape by establishing a comprehensive trapping network. The main objectives of this network are:

• Controlling to a high level, and maybe someday eradicating Invasive Species: The primary focus of Project De-Vine is to eradicate stoats, rats, possums, and other invasive species that pose a threat to native wildlife.
• Restoration of Native Species: By highly controlling or eliminating invasive predators, the project aims to provide a safe environment for native birds, insects, and plants to flourish again.
• Community Involvement: Project De-Vine recognises the importance of community participation in conservation efforts. They actively involve locals in trapping activities, awareness campaigns, and educational programs.
• Data Collection and Analysis: The project maintains a meticulous record of trapping data, which helps in understanding invasive species’ impact and measuring their efforts’ success over time.

Strategies and Implementation

Project De-Vine employs a multifaceted approach to combat invasive species effectively. Their strategies include:

Twenty-nine sites have been planned and set up strategically throughout The Grove. Some have multiple devices at some. 129 devices are placed in the Grove, adjoining, and neighbouring properties. DOC trapping specialists suggested the set-up planning. These traps include A24, AT220, DOC 150, DOC 200, Flipping Timmy, Sentinel, Stoat, and Victor traps.

The team strategically placed the devices throughout The Grove network area to ensure maximum effectiveness in capturing invasive predators.

Traps and other devices are regularly checked, reset, or moved to minimise suffering and ensure a swift response to any increase in invasive species activity.

To enhance the efficiency of their efforts, Project De-Vine incorporates modern trapping technologies, such as sensor-based self-setting traps and motion-activated cameras.
Impact and Conservation Success

The dedicated efforts of Project De-Vine have already begun to yield positive results. Native bird populations, including the tui and bellbird, have shown signs of recovery. Tomtit and Robin are now seen regularly on the higher land uphill from the Grove. Additionally, we will be monitoring the ecosystem of the Grove to see if it has led to an increase in recordable markers.

The monitoring data reveals the presence of various invasive species, including possums, rats, stoats and hedgehogs, with 47 rats, three possums, and one stoat killed to date over the first three months. The self-setting devices often have no carcass left to determine what it was.
Challenges and Future Goals

While the data suggests progress, ongoing monitoring and trapping efforts are necessary to maintain and further enhance the ecological balance in The Grove. Community involvement and awareness campaigns can be crucial in expanding the project’s scope and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

How you can get involved

Make a direct impact on Golden Bay’s ecological revival by contributing to Project De-Vine’s trap purchase initiative. Your donation provides the essential resources needed to strategically deploy and maintain traps, effectively combating invasive species. Every dollar brings us closer to safeguarding native flora and fauna, allowing the ecosystem to thrive. Take the lead in preserving our natural heritage—donate today and be a guardian of Golden Bay’s biodiversity. 🌿

Conclusion

Project De-Vine’s trapping initiative in The Grove Scenic Reserve, Golden Bay, exemplifies the power of community-driven conservation efforts. By strategically deploying traps and regularly monitoring the area, they are successfully curbing the populations of invasive species and promoting the recovery of native wildlife. As the project continues to evolve, expand, and inspire further participation, it promises a brighter and greener future for Golden Bay’s natural heritage. With each step forward, Project De-Vine paves the way for other regional conservation projects, fostering a collective commitment to preserve New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.