Trap line establishment

The trapping operation was initiated on 19th October 2003, with a workday to cut lines and set up possum traps. All control was done with traps and shooting – there was no poison used due to the threat it poses to domestic pets.

Trap lines were set up across Ackers Point during 2003 (see Figure 1). These lines were 100m apart and had trap locations marked every 30-40m, creating a trap density of five per hectare.

Possum control

Warrior kill traps (see picture) were used at all trap locations. Traps were checked and re-baited
every 2-3 weeks. 84 possums were killed this season (see Appendix 1). Possum captures have
dropped off in the internal area, suggesting that possums have been reduced to very low levels.

Most of the possums (67%) have been caught in only a few (16%) of the 117 traps set out (see
Appendix 1). 63% of traps have never caught a possum. This suggests that some traps could be
moved without detriment to the trapping effect. Traps that show a record of possum captures
should remain in location as they probably reflect preferred habitat or are on dispersal pathways.

Rat control

Victor professional rat traps in white corflute tunnels were placed at all trap locations from Nov 03
to May 04. Intermittent rat control has removed 85 rats from this area this season.

Rat trap set-up was not completed until the end of May 2004. Ackers Point now has a full level of
protection against rats, with a rat trap at every possum trap location.

Feral cat control

Five feral cats have been removed from Ackers Point this year.

Three cage traps were placed along Ackers Point and run for a small number of nights. Two cats
were caught in these traps, both at the lighthouse.

Three ‘Warrior’ kill traps were set-up to target feral cats. These were set in areas that were well
away from any domestic cats (i.e. the end of Ackers Point). One of these was successful in killing a
feral cat. This trap set-up holds potential for cat control and should be trialled further.

A further two cats were killed when encountered during other operations.

Pet cats are not being targeted by this trapping operation. In areas where pet cats are present, cage
traps will be used. Any pet cats caught will be returned to their owners. The Trust has approached
Environment Southland to see if they would sponsor ID collars for domestic cats.

Dogs

A number of dogs have been reported out at Ackers Point. These are both wandering dogs and
dogs being taken by their owners for walks. These dogs pose a very large threat to Little Blue
Penguins on Ackers Point.

Some way of keeping dogs off Ackers Point needs to be found. A new sign could highlight to
owners that dogs are not allowed on Ackers Point. Other options include raising awareness via
Stewart Island News and lobbying the council for greater levels of enforcement.