Conservation is not dramatic. It is hours, square metres and the discipline of showing up and consistently employing effective methodology. The data tells our story and shows our success!
Initially, Pouteria took on responsibility for pest plant control across the four local Department of Conservation administered Reserves. In 2024, we also took on responsibility for rat control in Te Matuku Bay Scenic Reserve.
Pest plant control
The main pest plant burden was, and remains, in Te Matuku Bay Scenic Reserve. Effective control of moth plant is our highest priority. A prolific seeder, its seed can linger in the soil for over a decade. So we work to a calendar — work early each season aims to stop flowering and podding. Competently. Completely. Rinse. Repeat. Ultimately the seed bank will run out.
There is a plethora of other pest plants we also target: climbing asparagus, tobacco, gorse, Mexican devil and so on.
Pest animal control
Rat baiting takes place across Te Matuku Bay Scenic Reserve. Seven bait loops consisting of a total of 136 bait stations have been created. These are each baited by volunteers three times per annum. The longest loops generally take experienced volunteers two and a half hours to complete in good conditions.
More volunteers would enable us to expand our rat control efforts.
If you'd like to help with baiting, find out more here or get in touch.
