Kepler Challenge birdsong project
In 2006 the Kepler Challenge Organising Committee entered into a partnership with DOC to establish and maintain stoat traps around the length of the Kepler Track. Whio/Blue Ducks, Kiwi and many other birds inhabit the area and their survival is greatly increased through these trapping efforts as has been shown in many similar programs throughout New Zealand. Using a proportion of runner entry fees the Kepler Challenge Organising Committee will maintain the stoat traps it has established around the length of the Kepler track. If you'd like to help on the next trap-checking run please contact us. It's a lovely walk!
What's going to benefit from the trapping?
As New Zealand's native fauna has evolved without any predatory mammals, introduced species such as rats, stoats and cats have had a devastating impact on bird populations. Whio/Blue Ducks, Kiwi and many other birds inhabit the Kepler area and their survival is greatly increased through trapping of these predators. So ultimately you, the runner, will benefit from being able to get off to a better start helped along by a revitalized dawn chorus!
How does it all work?
Traps have been positioned at 200m intervals around the entire Kepler Track which trampers, runners and pests use alike. Inside each box are two DOC 150 traps baited with a hen's egg and salted rabbit meat. Once a month the traps are checked by the Committee, DOC staff and community volunteers. The number of catches are collated and you can keep up to date with progress here.
Total rat and stoat captures on Kepler track January 2007 till now.
2008
2007
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2011
2010
2009
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I thought I would drop you a line to commend the stoat trappers on fantastic success in the Iris Burn! My wife and I tramped the Kepler last week. On our descent into the Iris Burn from the tops, we passed six separate (distinct) areas on the track with clear kiwi prints in the residual snow.
We got out to Rainbow Reach really fast, as in before 6pm, and whilst not a race record, it's far better than my usual 7pm+ (with moreporks and glow worms at this time of year)!
"3 deer gulley" and "Stuff Up Creek" flooded downstream of Iris Burn hut and diverted into an unnamed creek bed that caused a lot of what you see. My favourite picture is Andrew Peeler using me as a bridge where Laceration Creek flooded into the Shingle Creek bed.
Volunteer stoat trappers on the Kepler track were treated to a special sight this week when they spotted a large kiwi foot print in the mud.