Wairarapa Key Native Ecosystem Management Areas - Greater ...

Linkwood Bush
24. Executive summary
Linkwood Bush consists of a small bush remnant on a steep sheltered terrace.
The dominant plant species are kanuka, kowhai, totara, lacebark, maire and
cabbage tree. The size of this native remnant is approximately 10 hectares.
Possum control work started in September 1998 and has been ongoing ever
since. Bait stations and brodifacoum pellets have been the only method used by
Greater Wellington.
Predator control using No. 6 Fenn traps in conjunction with single Philproof
tunnels and Timms traps commenced in September 2003.
25. Recommendations
• As long as funding is made available, filling of the bait stations should
continue on a regular basis. Derek Dale, (YMCA Conservation Corp
Supervisor), is willing to carry out the work for the 2008/09 year, with
Greater Wellington carrying out the predator work.
26. Objectives
• To reduce possum populations to a level of 5% RTC or below. This will
allow for regeneration of native bush vital to produce seed for dispersal by
native birds.
• To reduce all of the predator species which can have an adverse effect on
the native bird population.
27. Operational area
This consists of regenerating bush having been originally logged and cleared.
The site is now fully fenced and stock proof, with the original area almost
being doubled in size. Several years back grazing of stock, in particular cattle,
were damaging mature trees and had bared back the understory. With the new
improved fencing, Linkwood Bush is now under a covenant.
Native birds observed during this operation
were tui, bellbird, fantail, morepork,
whitehead and the New Zealand falcon.
Previous methods of possum control at this
site have included cyanide, phosphorus in
bait stations, and trapping. Also a limited
amount of night shooting as been carried
out.
Female morepork
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