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Shakespear Open Sanctuary’s pest proof fence is to be extended, by way of a dense network of traps around it designed to form a ‘virtual fence’.
This new line of defence against predators, the Shakespear Virtual Fence, is a project initiated by the team from Forest and Bird’s Pest Free Hibiscus Coast and participation by local residents is key to its success.
Project manager Jenny Hanwell says the aim is to set up a tight network of traps through the neighbourhood directly bordering Shakespear Regional Park, to further reduce the threat of predators to the valuable wetlands at Okoromai Bay, and ultimately the sanctuary itself.
“The virtual fence concept has been adapted from an intensive line of traps that has been used effectively to protect the predator free Miramar Peninsula in Wellington,” Hanwell says. “We are working in partnership with Auckland Council, and with the support of Kiwicare, to create a similar effect here.”
If successful, Hanwell says the density of traps will protect some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife from introduced pest animals.
The Okoromai Bay wetlands are home to many ground nesting birds, including rarities like the moho pererū (banded rail) and pūweto (spotless crake).
It will also protect species that are expanding outside the open sanctuary into local gardens, reserves and bush areas.
Already there are several households that border the park who are setting backyard traps for rats, but Hanwell says the density and frequency of trap servicing will need to increase.
Different types of traps and bait stations will be needed too, including some that target stoats and possums.
“We have been doing predator control on Okoromai-Clansman Reserve and Pacific Parade Reserve for many years, thanks to our awesome volunteers. This initiative looks to work with the community to further reduce predator pathways through residential areas.”
Open sanctuaries senior ranger Matt Maitland says pest incursions can be really harmful to native species at Shakespear, as well as being costly and time-hungry to resolve.
“We’d love the support of our near neighbours to help stop pests from entering the sanctuary buffer, and to help establish safe homes for species that venture further down the peninsula,” he says.
Pest Free Hibiscus Coast community activator Charlie Thomas is leading the community engagement, which will take place over the next month. Targeted letter drops will also be used to spread the word.
Ideally around 80 households are needed, spread through the neighbourhood.
“We will be approaching all the residents of the area between the border of Shakespear Regional Park and Shakespear Road asking them to host a predator control device (traps and bait stations) on their property,” Thomas says.
The pet-safe tools will be installed by the project’s field team and regularly serviced by staff or community volunteers.
“All residents need to do is sign up to be a part of it – then sit back and enjoy the birdsong,” Thomas says. “ With increasing reports of kākāriki and korimako (bellbird) seen outside the pest proof fence, it’s imperative that we as a community work together to strengthen the predator control work done by rangers and SOSSI volunteers within the park.”
Anyone who lives in that area and wants to find out more, or sign up can email Charlie Thomas, c.thomas@forestandbird.org.nz
