Wairarapa Key Native Ecosystem Management Areas - Greater ...

Greater Wellington BioWorks Unit have just completed possum control work
around the perimeter of Fensham Reserve and were happy to report no
possums were trapped.
Trapping for predators at this Reserve commenced in February 2004. There are
now 15 trap sites scattered throughout the bush and wetlands area. It was
reported early in 2008 that feral cats had been sighted near the picnic area.
Timms traps were set and baited with offal and these cats were successfully
trapped.
Species trapped and results for 2007/08:
Cats 2
Rats 5
Hedgehogs 16
Rabbits 2
Stoat 1
7. Discussion
With ongoing possum control being carried out by the Greater Wellington
BioWorks Unit and regular bait station maintenance by Forest and Bird
members, possum numbers should be kept to low numbers. Also Fensham
Reserve falls within the Carterton West/Holdsworth operation. It is however,
recommended that predator control should be ongoing to maintain a healthy
balance of birdlife and regeneration of native species within the Reserve.
Coupled with an ongoing planting programme by the Forest and Bird members,
regeneration is well on the way.
As funding becomes available it would be worthwhile programming some pest
plant control to be carried out, as old man’s beard will become a problem if left
to invade this native remnant.
8. Costs
Set out below is a breakdown of costs from Greater Wellington’s SAP financial
system up until the end of the financial year 30 June 2008.
Vehicle/plant 145.06
Labour 899.00
Material/supplies 80.36
Total: 1,124.42
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