New Zealand is taking a pivotal step in protecting its native bird species from the devastating impact of stoats. Recent research published in the Journal of Applied Ecology reveals that the traditional method of increasing trap numbers may not be effective in capturing the more cautious stoat population.
Scientists have discovered that less \"scary\" trap designs, combined with more enticing baits and lures, are essential to attract these elusive predators. This shift in strategy aims to enhance the success rate of trapping efforts, ensuring that the traps are more appealing to stoats.
Moreover, the study highlights a significant imbalance in current trapping practices, which predominantly capture male stoats. Capturing female stoats is crucial because they are almost always pregnant and have the potential to breed rapidly, exacerbating the threat to New Zealand's bird populations.
By refining trapping methods to target females more effectively, conservationists hope to curb the population growth of stoats and provide a better chance for threatened bird species to thrive.
Reference(s):
Research on stoat behavior helps New Zealand's predator control
cgtn.com
