Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has a great diversity of native species and ecosystems, but unfortunately many are under threat. Rats are one of the biggest problems because they impact on our native biodiversity in so many ways – and their population in Auckland is increasing.
Luckily we can manage pests like rats and keep them at low levels in many places, especially if we band together to bring consistent control across larger areas.
Urban Ark – Manawa Taio supports conservation in Tāmaki Makaurau’s central isthmus. They teach groups how to maintain a trapline and give them the tools they need.
A clever idea: bike commuters for trap checks
Urban Ark approached Bike Auckland with a clever idea – would people who bike the Northwestern Path from Newton to Pt Chev be keen to maintain a trapline along this stretch?
The commitment is simple: in a group of volunteers, organise a roster to check the traps along the path once a week. Your commute on your rostered days might take thirty minutes longer, but over time, you’d get to enjoy the benefits of your work – thriving natural ecosystems to ride through every day.
How to get involved
To kick off the trapping group, Urban Ark is asking for interested volunteers to join a morning or evening training session.
The plan is to hold training sessions on the Northwestern Shared Path where it passes under Bond St at 7.00-9.00 am and 4.30-6.00 pm.
If you could help, or would like to find out more, please contact paul@urbanark.nz and let him know your availability.
