Sharp Bush in Opānuku saw 17 Birdsong Opānuku members come together recently to bait this, and other adjacent areas, in their bid to keep rat and possum numbers down.
When the group first started work in the area, the percent tracking rate for rats through their tracking tunnels was 90-100%. Since then, the group, through their baiting efforts, has been able to reduce rat numbers significantly, which are currently tracked at just 5%.
While out in the bush, through which the Parekura Stream runs and kauri stands, the group was able to hear miromiro/tomtit. There have also been sightings of kōkako and North Island robin/toutouwai in the past, likely visiting from Ark in the Park, and some spectacular flora and funga (pictured) as photographed by group members while out on the bait lines.
"I'm sure the flora and fauna will benefit from our actions and we can rest a few more months knowing that is so. It prepares the area for a successful breeding season from August." says one of the group's founding members, Karen Colgan.
Birdsong Opānuku have special permission to bait within Sharp Bush. Please note that the track is currently closed to the public.