GoodNature Traps - doing good for nature

An innovative, non-toxic predator trap – the GoodNature Trap is - being used by Norfolk Island Regional Council in its fight against rats on the island. Designed in Aotearoa, GoodNature Traps are the ideal alternative to toxic bait for rodent control. National Parks have been using the traps for several years, and NIRC has recently increased its use of the traps. Hundred Acre Reserve is arguably the most biodiverse and intrinsically valuable public reserve on Norfolk. On the short, 30-minute circuit you can pass through at least five different habitats, each supporting a unique array of flora and fauna.

The reserve provides a breeding ground for white terns and noddies, among other species, and hatchings and other small native animals are endangered by the presence of rats. To protect all fauna that live in Hundred Acres, Council is increasing the level of rodent control using these nontoxic GoodNature traps. Monitoring with chew cards and video trapping before the installation of traps has indicated an approximate rodent density of 47%.

This will provide us with some baseline data to compare future monitoring results. Our first kill using the traps happened within just two days, and by the three-month mark this had reached 40 humane kills. The intention is to increase the distribution of the traps to include neighbouring properties, which will create a buffer zone to greater protect the flora and fauna of Hundred Acres. In time we anticipate an overall decrease in rat activity, and an increase in birdsong, population growth of our endemic land snails, and more natural regeneration of native seedlings.

*Warning* GoodNature traps are automated, sensortrigger traps. To avoid serious injury, do not attempt to touch, move, or handle traps.