Fighting pests on the beaches

Conservationists on the eastern side of Wellington Harbour have been hitting the beach this summer to protect New Zealand’s natural heritage from pests.

More than 100 traps belonging to volunteers of the Educating Residents About Trapping (ERAT) project have been placed along Eastbourne’s urban foreshore.

Co-ordinator Sally Bain said large urban seaside trapping operations were unusual but necessary with the likes of korora¯ (little blue penguins) and dotterels nesting on the beach.

She said hedgehogs were the main threat to ground nesting birds’ eggs, while mice and rats also travelled to the beach to feed on crustaceans and shellfish. Skinks were also targeted by predators. Increasing reports of their tracks in the sand was a good indication trapping was reducing pest numbers.

‘‘People consider the bush to be the main area to preserve. They consider forest birds before . . . shore birds.’’

Trapping was an activity which was usually hidden away out of sight, and Bain was initially unsure how beachgoers might react to the traps.

‘‘They are very visible and the acceptance of them is a fairly new thing.’’

The group’s 200 volunteers, and 650 traps, had removed more than 2000 pest animals with their combined trapping efforts over the last couple of years, which had made a noticeable difference.

‘You notice the birds, but then you see things like the bush regenerating. You see more insects and bugs like beetles and worms. If you’re thinking long-term, and not just in Eastbourne, that’s kiwi food.’’

ERAT is a project managed by the Mainland Island Restoration Operation, which aims to restore and protect native flora and fauna in the East Harbour Regional Park.