Over the past 9 months, on behalf of Predator Free South Westland, ZIP has been preparing to remove predators from the South Ōkārito block. Much of this planning has involved numerous conversations with Makaawhio, the local community, and private landowners. These conversations have been instrumental in guiding what this work will look like.
To begin the predator elimination mahi, ZIP are now getting underway with the aerial operation. The first non-toxic prefeed application is taking place on Wednesday 3 November. Toxin will not be applied until after 15 November.
The non-toxic prefeed bait is dyed green. The reason for this is that, over the past several months, ZIP have been teaching kea to avoid eating cereal bait by providing them with look-a-like baits that temporarily make them feel sick. Doing this makes kea much less likely to eat toxic bait when they come across it later.
During the baiting operation, the Forks-Ōkārito Road will be closed (for up to 4 hours) while helicopters are operating overhead and road crews safely undertake post sowing inspections. All DOC tracks within the operational area, and beach access south of Ōkārito village will also be closed during the pre-feed operation. ZIP staff will be stationed on site and will advise when these facilities are re-opened. We acknowledge these disruptions may cause inconvenience, and thank you for your understanding and support for this important work.
ZIP are also gearing up to start the ground-based predator elimination around the perimeter of the rowi sanctuary, with good progress being made on installing bait stations and traps. The team will begin applying the bait and setting those traps within the next few weeks.
Removing predators from South Ōkārito, and throughout the PFSW project area, will enable rowi, kōtuku, kea and other taonga to thrive. Eliminating possums also removes the risk of bovine TB for the local farmers. This project is creating jobs, and maintaining employment, for many in the local region that has suffered economic hardship from the significant loss of tourism.