A predator control project is underway in the forests of Mount Tamahunga to protect native plants and wildlife, and encourage recolonisation of birds by trapping rodents and mustelids. And the group behind it all, Tamahunga Trappers, need your help.

Tamahunga Trappers are a community group made up of iwi, local landowners, Department of Conservation (DOC) staff and other Warkworth / Matakana area residents who are interested in preserving and enhancing the biodiversity values of the Mt Tamahunga forest, and they are looking for more volunteers.

The Omaha Ecological Area is a 240-hectare reserve administered by DOC, which extends down the south-eastern slopes of Mount Tamahunga. Ngati Manuhiri administers a 10-hectare scientific reserve at the summit and local landowners have covenanted and protected forest adjacent to these reserves.

The native forest is one of the finest in the region with rare plants such as king fern, Kirk’s pittosporum, and a unique iris found only on Mount Tamahunga. Native animals include the rare Hochstetter’s frog and birds such as tomtit, kaka and bellbird. Reducing the number of introduced pests should allow these native species to flourish and encourage more of them from other protected areas in the region to become established.

With the support of the Department of Conservation and some neighbouring land owners, lines of DOC250 kill traps have been set in the area, and a roster of volunteers is in place to check, clear and re-bait them. These traps are an effective and humane method of killing rodents, mustelids and other predators. So far, the group of 35 people have killed over 1,000 pests in the area.

It's a great way to get fit, enjoy a walk in the bush and do some pest control at the same time. If you are keen and able to get out in the forest on a regular basis to check, clear and rebait stoat and possum traps, Tamahunga Trappers need you. Trap lines take a few hours to complete and regular checks are required (currently monthly on a roster system). You will accompany one of our seasoned trappers to learn the basics before you are let loose on the hill on your own. If you’re interested and want to find out more, please contact Nicole at [email protected].