Recently the team from the Men’s Shed have been working with the Department of Conservation piloting a new design for traps.
The traps are intended for Norwegian Rats which reside on islands within Lake Wanaka. The islands are also home to rare Weka – curious birds with long beaks.
The new traps are longer. They also provide for a new tunnel entrance. Both these changes are designed to keep the Weka (and its long beak) well back from the trap while retaining easy access for rats.
The collaboration and innovation involved with the new traps are aimed at making a difference for our endangered wildlife.