Milford Community stoat trapping project

Stoat trapping to protect blue duck/whio began on the Milford Track in the Clinton Valley in 2000. Following encouraging results, similar trapping was set up along the Cleddau, Tutoko, and Gulliver Rivers and around Milford Sound/Piopiotahi township during 2002.

Local businesses and residents have assisted with checking and rebaiting the stoat traps since they were set up. This has greatly helped the Department of Conservation's whio protection programme in Fiordland.

Fenn trap

Several other native bird species also benefit from the reduction in stoat numbers around the Milford catchment including weka, kiwi, robins, and mohua.

Volunteers who have helped check stoat traps include staff from Trips & Tramps, Real Journeys, Milford Sound Lodge and Airways Corporation.