A predator control project led by local Mārahau volunteers has reached a new milestone: 1000 pests down… and counting.
The Mārahau Halo Trapping Project, founded by local accommodation providers Chris Palzer and Jared Bosecke in 2020, is designed to support pest trapping work being carried out inside neighbouring Abel Tasman National Park by the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust, the Department of Conservation and Project Janszoon.
Having volunteered in the park, Chris and Jared saw an opportunity to strengthen that work by adding a line of defence outside the park’s southern border.
“Our lines complement the work in the park, as well as in the Otūwhero Valley and the wetlands, with the aim of creating a pest-free halo around the southern entrance to the park,” says Chris.
The Mārahau Halo Trapping Project is entirely locally funded and was one of the first recipients of funding from the Mārahau Pledge, a practical commitment by local businesses operating in the visitor sector in Mārahau to protect and enhance the area.
The pledge initiative sees a portion of every ticketed experience or guest night with the local signatories in Mārahau invested directly into local projects that contribute to improving biodiversity, conservation and community outcomes in Mārahau.
The Mārahau Halo Trapping Project received $12,500 in Pledge funding.
Other businesses have also pitched in, and Chris and Jared say it’s been a real community effort.
“Thanks to that donation, and those of every business operator in Mārahau, we have been able to establish these trap lines, which now require very little in terms of monetary contributions,” Chris says.
So far, they have purchased more than 130 traps and, with the help of a team of volunteers, established five trap lines that run parallel to those inside the park.
“Locals have been great, and there is a good rhythm going on now. It’s been great to be able to work closely with neighbouring conservation groups, too.”
In late December, the group had put paid to 1109 pests, including rats, possums, hedgehogs and mustelids (ferrets, stoats and weasels).
You can follow their progress here.
