Pests & Pest Control Methods Flashcards
Who am I ?
Possum
The threat
Possums have a significant impact on many of New Zealand’s natural ecosystems. They occur in high numbers and their own predators, such as feral cats, do not have much effect on controlling possum population size.
Leaves are the main part of their diet, but possums are opportunistic omnivores. They eat buds, flowers, fruit/berries and nectar, which means they compete with native birds and reptiles for food sources. The growth and life-cycle of a tree or plant is significantly affected when all parts of it are eaten. Possums also have ‘favourites’ such as rātā or kamahi trees, leading to an even greater impact on these species.
In 1993, possums were filmed eating the eggs and chicks of kōkako and this evidence changed many people’s views of their threat to wildlife. They eat invertebrates, including weta, and are significant predators of New Zealand land snails such as Powelliphanta. They often occupy holes in tree trunks for their nests which would otherwise be used by nesting birds such as kākāriki and saddlebacks.
Dairy and deer farmers have the added worry of possums spreading bovine tuberculosis. The value of economic loss in primary production for damage and control of possums is in the tens of millions.
What trap am I known as?
Flipping Timmy
What trap am I known as?
Steve Allen
What trap am I known as?
Leghold
Left to right, which is which?
Left: Wiesel
Middle: Ferret
Right: Stoat
Top to bottom, which is which?
Top: Ferret
Middle: Stoat
Bottom: Wiesel
5 common themes of the Mustelids?
- Absolute killers with no off switch (Chicken coop example)
- They ‘bank’ protein
- Box well above their weight
- Ability to be very aggressive
- Agile and very fast
What trap am I known as?
DOC 250
What trap am I known as?
Live capture cage
What means of observation am I know as?
Trailcam
What means of monitoring am I known as?
Tracking tunnel
Who am I and which native animals do I pose a threat to?
They are opportunistic feeders but prefer rabbits over all
They will eat invertebrates, lizards, carrion, hares, possums and a lot of birds
Who am I and who/what do I pose a threat to most?
Hedgehogs
Bird populations - Hedgehogs love eggs!
Also kill lizards, native snails and invertebrates.
Left to right, which traps are we?
Left: DOC 150
Middle: DOC 200
Right: DOC 250
What brand of trap am I?
Goodnature
