Keeping predators at bay

Pukeatua farmstay has 12 traps spread around the buildings and the paddocks. Every 2nd day they need checking for any caught rats or hedgehogs.

Hedgehogs

Yes, hedgehogs are considered a pest in New Zealand despite their cute face. But their teeth are less cute and eat up native birds and eggs.

Mynas

A brown bird (myna) in a mechanical trap
Myna in trap

Last week we had the strangest catch in one of the traps: A Mynah, also considered a pest, especially in Auckland where their population has exploded. Normally we have a PG Mynar trap for those. This one was unexpected in a rat trap.

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