Many of New Zealand’s native bird species have been hunted to near or total extinction by predatory mammals such as the stoat, introduced in the 1880s to curb the spread of rabbits. Other problem predators are rats, cats, ferrets, weasels, possums and wild pigs. Controlling pests in key areas has allowed some endangered species to make a dramatic comeback. This wooden box or tunnel contains a spring trap, rather like a large rat trap. The dead stoat lying on the open lid was lured into the bottom entrance by bait, and killed instantly.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Private collection
Photograph by Christina Troup
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Tāpiritia te tākupu hou