About this research
Intern: Jessica Wagner, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Massey University
Project supervisors: Mr Tama Blackburn and Miss Sera Gibson
Institution: Taranaki Mounga Project Limited (TMPL)
Project Title: Te Au Roa – Predator sound lure trial: Draw possums out of those difficult to reach places on Taranaki Mounga
Project location: New Plymouth - The intern could be located anywhere in Taranaki as most things are only a drive away but preferably, they would be located in the New Plymouth area.
Project Summary: Taranaki Mounga Project Limited (TMPL) and DOC have been working relentlessly on the Kaitake ranges to eradicate possums and other pests and predators. Taranaki Mounga Project is now at a point where they know for certain that their possum populations are at the lowest, they have been since their introduction, however Taranaki Mounga Project and DOC think there are still residents present and invaders are pushing in from the surrounding farm and bush boundaries.
Auroa primary school kids, with the assistance of Principal Myles Webb and electronics guru Andrew Hornblow, have been working on an audio sound lure for various pests and predators since 2018. They have refined the devices to a point where they are bush ready in regard to basic sound file programming and waterproofing (see video here - https://youtu.be/dqfi-GTrOPE).
Our goal is to draw those possums out of those difficult to reach places on Kaitake ranges to the trap lines or Automatic Lure Dispensers (ALD) and camera trap stations, rather than risk the health and safety of our people, not to mention time and resources involved with such efforts. This is the time for new technology like the possum acoustic sound lure to show its potential.
This project trialled a bush-ready acoustic sound lure, co-developed with Auroa School students, to help draw out remaining possums from hard-to-reach areas of the Kaitake ranges.
Supporting Taranaki Mounga Project and DOC’s pest eradication goals, this innovative tech aims to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and protect precious biodiversity.
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