Fiordland Explorer Charters Stoat Trapping Project
This is a pest control programme in the Wilmot Pass area of Fiordland National Park.
The project aims to restore the bird life in the area. Trapping will also help protect the predator-free islands in Doubtful Sound and further along the coast by preventing any pests getting on board the vessels in port.
How did the project start?
Nigel Lamb with a trapped possum
Nigel and Paula Lamb of Fiordland Explorer Charters are passionate about looking after the special environment they live and work in. They established the pest control programme in 2006 when their customers raised concerns over the absence of native birds in the area. Impressed by the success of many community-based conservation projects in Fiordland, Mr Lamb never doubted the benefits his investment would bring.
In the 1970’s, the dawn chorus was described by one visitor to the area as “deafening”. It was almost impossible to sleep through for anyone staying at the Deep Cove Hostel.
Over the last twenty years, the bird life has been decimated to such an extent that visitors could sit and listen for five minutes or more and not hear one bird calling.
What does the project involve?
A weka 'inspects' trapped possum and
stoats
Mr Lamb purchased over 200 stoat traps. He employs a trapper to target pests from the Percy Saddle to West Arm, over the Wilmot Pass road to Deep Cove and up the Spey River. The traps cover a total distance of 42 kilometres.
Achievements to date
Since the project was set up about three years ago, a huge number of stoats, rats and possums have been caught in traps. The benefit to the bird life in the area is already noticeable. The recent increase in bird life in the area is considered a direct result of this successful trapping programme.
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