As 2024 comes to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made in the fight against predators in the Hibiscus and Bays area. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers, our expanding network of AT220 traps, and community support, we’ve made significant strides in reducing predator numbers, helping to restore balance to our local ecosystems.

2024 Predator Control Highlights

This year, we’ve seen impressive results in our predator control efforts, with a total of 1,972 predators removed from the East Coast Bays and Waiwera area. That’s an 80% increase over last year’s total—a fantastic achievement!

Here’s a breakdown of what we’ve been able to remove thanks to your hard work:

• Rats: 1,533 (including ship rats, kiore, and Norway rats)
• Possums: 326
• Hedgehogs: 38
• Stoats and Weasels: 28 stoats and 1 weasel
• Mice: 20

This total reflects just the trap data, but it’s important to remember that bait stations have also played a critical role in our efforts. While their impact is harder to track, their contribution is just as important in reducing predator numbers.

This year, we installed 134 traps and 105 bait stations. While this is a decrease from the record numbers set in 2023, it still represents a strong commitment to the ongoing fight against predators.

A Summer Without Predators? Not Quite Yet!

While we all look forward to a well-deserved break over the summer months, the team at Predator Free NZ Trust reminds us that predator control doesn’t stop just because the weather heats up! They’ve shared five ways we can keep the momentum going this summer:

1. Support Predator-Free Tourism: Choose eco-tourism businesses that include predator control in their operations. Your support helps grow the movement.
2. Read a Book: Summer and books go hand in hand! If you want to deepen your knowledge of conservation, check out some great reads on predator control and local wildlife.
3. Visit a Sanctuary: Spend a day at one of New Zealand’s many ecosanctuaries to experience a predator-free future firsthand.
4. DIY at Home: Get the family involved in outdoor DIY projects that help with predator control and make your backyard a safer space for native wildlife.
5. Collaborate with Neighbours: Talk about predator control at your summer BBQs or community gatherings, and encourage others to join the effort.

These small steps can make a big difference. For more ideas, check out the full article from Predator Free NZ Trust.

Expanding Our Reach: New Predator Control Projects

We’ve also kicked off some exciting new initiatives over the past few months, further expanding our predator control efforts:

• Murrays Bay Reserves: In a significant new development, we’ve launched predator control in the Speedy, Leech, and Penguin Reserves—a 10-hectare site that has never had formal predator control before. The first line of traps has been set, but we need more hands on deck to expand this project. If you’re interested in helping out, we’d love to hear from you!
• Vaughans Stream: We’ve added more rat and possum traps along the Vaughans Stream corridor, which is a known hotspot for rats. These traps are crucial for reducing predator numbers and protecting the local environment. There’s still room to expand this project, so if you or someone you know owns property near the stream, consider joining the effort!

These efforts are closely aligned with the Long Bay Residents Association’s PFNZ backyard trapping project, which aims to create a predator-free zone around Long Bay Regional Park. Together, we’re making real progress toward a predator-free future.

A Huge Thank You to Our Volunteers and Supporters

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers. Your hard work—whether it’s setting traps, maintaining bait stations, or helping to spread the word—has had a direct and lasting impact on our local wildlife.

We’d also like to give a special thanks to Lotteries for their generous funding, which has enabled many of these projects to move forward. Your support has been instrumental in making all of this happen.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue this important work in 2025 and beyond. Together, we’re making a real difference in protecting our native species and restoring balance to our ecosystems.

So, as you enjoy the summer, keep those traps set, bait stations stocked, and your spirits high. We can’t wait to continue the work with you in the new year.